Increase in the vitamin e content in organisms due to an increase in the tyrosine aminotransferase activity

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for producing vitamin E by cultivating organisms, especially plants, which have an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity in relation to the wild type. The invention also relates to the genetically modified organisms, especially plants themselves.

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for the production of vitamin E by growing organisms, in particular plants, which have an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity over the wild type, and to the genetically modified organisms, in particular plants, themselves.

[0002] The naturally occurring eight compounds with vitamin E activity are derivatives of 6-chromanol (Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A 27 (1996), VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, Chapter 4., 478-488, Vitamin E). The tocopherol group ( 1 a-d) has a saturated side chain, while the tocotrienol group (2a-d) has an unsaturated side chain:

 α-tocopherol: R¹═R²═R³═CH₃   1a

β-tocopherol: R¹═R³═CH₃, R²═H   1b

γ-tocopherol: R¹═H, R²═R³═CH₃   1c

δ-tocopherol: R¹═R²═H, R³═CH₃   1d

 α-tocotrienol: R¹═R²═R³═CH₃   2a

β-tocotrienol: R¹═R³═CH₃, R²═H   2b

γ-tocotrienol: R¹═H, R²═R³═CH₃   2c

δ-tocotrienol: R¹═R²═H, R³═CH₃   2d

[0003] Within the present invention, vitamin E is understood to include all of the abovementioned tocopherols and tocotrienols with vitamin E activity.

[0004] These compounds with vitamin E activity are important natural lipid-soluble and solid antioxidants. Vitamin E deficiency leads to pathophysiological situations in humans and animals. Vitamin E compounds are thus of great economic value as additives in the food-and-feed sector, in pharmaceutical formulations and in cosmetic applications.

[0005] An economical process for the production of vitamin E compounds and of foods and feeds with an increased vitamin E content are therefore of great importance.

[0006] Particularly economical processes are biotechnological processes which exploit natural vitamin E-producing organisms or vitamin E-producing organisms which have been optimized by genetic modification.

[0007]FIG. 62 shows a biosynthesis scheme of α-tocopherol in higher plants.

[0008] In higher plants, tyrosine is formed starting from chorismate via prephenate and arogenate. The aromatic amino acid tyrosine is converted into hydroxyphenylpyruvate by the enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase, and hydroxyphenylpyruvate is converted into homogentisic acid by dioxygenation.

[0009] Homogentisic acid is subsequently bound to phytyl pyrophosphate (PPP) or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate in order to form the precursors of α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol, namely 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone and 2-methyl-6-geranylgeranylhydroquinone. Methylation steps with S-adenosylmethionine as methyl group donor first lead to 2,3-dimethyl-6-phytylquinone, subsequent cyclization leads to γ-tocopherol and further methylation leads to α-tocopherol.

[0010] Experiments to increase the metabolite flux in order to increase the tocopherol or tocotrienol content in transgenic organisms by overexpressing individual biosynthesis genes are known.

[0011] WO 97/27285 describes a modification of the tocopherol content by increased expression or by downregulation of the enzyme p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD).

[0012] WO 99/04622 and D. DellaPenna et al., Science 1998, 282, 2098-2100 describe gene sequences encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase from Synechocystis PCC6803 and Arabidopsis thaliana and their incorporation into transgenic plants which have a modified vitamin E content.

[0013] WO 99/23231 shows that the expression of a geranylgeranyl reductase in transgenic plants results in an increased tocopherol biosynthesis.

[0014] WO 00/08169 describes gene sequences encoding a 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase and a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase and their incorporation into transgenic plants which have a modified vitamin E content.

[0015] WO 00/68393 and WO 00/63391 describe gene sequences encoding a phytyl/prenyl transferase and their incorporation into transgenic plants which have a modified vitamin E content.

[0016] WO 00/61771 postulates that the combination of a sterol metabolism gene in combination with a tocopherol metabolism gene can lead to an increased tocopherol content in transgenic plants.

[0017]Arabidopsis thaliana genes which are inducible by the phytotoxin coronatine are disclosed in a PhD thesis by A. Lopoukhina (Characterization of coronatine regulated genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, PhD thesis at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Department of Plant Physiology, 1999) and in a poster contribution by H. Holländer-Czytko et al. at the “Botanikertagung 2000”, Jena, 17-22.9.2000. In one of these genes, the derived amino acid sequence shows approximately 35% homology with known tyrosine aminotransferases. A low degree of enzyme activity of a tyrosine aminotransferase was detected by heterologous expression of the putative tyrosine aminotransferase gene in E. coli. It is disclosed that the treatment of plants with coronatine and the wounding of plants lead to an accumulation of the putative tyrosine aminotransferase-specific mRNA, the putative tyrosine aminotransferase and the measurable enzyme activity. Page 72 et seq. of the PhD thesis furthermore disclose that the wounding of plants is known to lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species which are scavenged by antioxidative compounds such as tocopherol, carotenoids or rosmaric acid.

[0018] While all of these methods, with the exception of the last-mentioned prior art, give rise to genetically modified organisms, in particular plants, which, as a rule, have a modified vitamin E content, they have the disadvantage that the level of the vitamin E content in the prior-art genetically modified organisms is as yet unsatisfactory.

[0019] It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide a further process for the production of vitamin E by growing organisms, or to provide further transgenic organisms which produce vitamin E, which have optimized characteristics such as, for example, a higher vitamin E content, and which do not exhibit the above-described disadvantage of the prior art.

[0020] We have found that this object is achieved by a process for the production of vitamin E wherein organisms are grown which have an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity over the wild type.

[0021] Tyrosine aminotransferase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a tyrosine aminotransferase.

[0022] A tyrosine aminotransferase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity of converting tyrosine into 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate.

[0023] Accordingly, tyrosine aminotransferase activity is understood as meaning the amount of tyrosine converted, or the amount of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate formed, by the protein tyrosine aminotransferase within a specific time.

[0024] Thus, in the case of an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity over the wild type, the amount of tyrosine converted, or the amount of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate formed, by the protein tyrosine aminotransferase within a specific time is thus increased over the wild type.

[0025] This increase in the tyrosine aminotransferase activity preferably amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to at least 100%, particularly preferably to at least 300%, more particularly preferably to at least 500%, especially to at least 600%, of the tyrosine aminotransferase activity of the wild type.

[0026] A wild type is understood as meaning the corresponding non-genetically-modified starting organism. Preferably, and in particular in cases in which the organism or the wild type cannot be assigned unambiguously, the term wild type for increasing the tyrosine aminotransferase activity, increasing the hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity described hereinbelow, increasing the homogentisate phytyltransferase activity described hereinbelow, increasing the geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity described hereinbelow, increasing the 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity described hereinbelow, increasing the tocopherol cyclase activity described hereinbelow, increasing the γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity described hereinbelow, reducing the homogentisate dioxygenase activity described hereinbelow, reducing the maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity described hereinbelow and reducing the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity described hereinbelow, and for increasing the vitamin E content, is understood as meaning a reference organism. This reference organism is preferably Brassica napus cv Westar.

[0027] The tyrosine aminotransferase activity can be increased in various ways, for example by eliminating inhibiting regulatory mechanisms at the translation and protein level or by increasing the gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase over the wild type, for example by inducing the tyrosine aminotransferase gene by phytotoxins such as, for example, coronatine, or by introducing nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase.

[0028] An increase in the gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase is also understood as meaning, in accordance with the invention, the manipulation of the expression of the endogenous tyrosine aminotransferases of the organisms, in particular plants. This can be achieved, for example, by modifying the promoter DNA sequence for genes encoding tyrosine aminotransferases. Such a modification which entails a modified or, preferably, increased expression rate of at least one endogenous tyrosine aminotransferase gene can be effected by deletion or insertion of DNA sequences.

[0029] As described above, it is possible to modify the expression of at least one endogenous tyrosine aminotransferase by applying exogenous stimuli. This can be effected by specific physiological conditions, i.e. by applying foreign substances.

[0030] Moreover, a modified, or increased, expression of at least one endogenous tyrosine aminotransferase gene can be achieved by a regulatory protein which does not occur in the untransformed organism interacting with the promoter of these genes.

[0031] Such a regulator can constitute a chimeric protein which is composed of a DNA binding domain and a transcription activator domain, as described, for example, in WO 96/06166.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the tyrosine aminotransferase activity is increased over the wild type by increasing the gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase is increased by introducing, into the organism, nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase.

[0034] In principle, any tyrosine aminotransferase gene, i.e. any nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase, can be used for this purpose. In the case of genomic tyrosine aminotransferase nucleic acid sequences from eukaryotic sources, which comprise introns, it is preferred to use nucleic acid sequences which have already been processed, such as the corresponding cDNAs, in the event that the host organism is not capable, or cannot be made capable, of expressing the tyrosine aminotransferase in question.

[0035] All of the nucleic acids mentioned in the description can be, for example, a RNA, DNA or cDNA sequence.

[0036] Examples of nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase, or examples of tyrosine aminotransferases, are

[0037] the six putative tyrosine aminotransferases TAT I to TAT VI from Arabidopsis thaliana TATI: CAA23026 (nucleic acid: SEQ. ID. NO. 5, protein: SEQ. ID. NO. 6), TAT II: CAA23025, TAT III: AAD23027 (nucleic acid: SEQ. ID. NO. 7, protein: SEQ. ID. NO. 8), TAT IV: CAA16881, TAT V: AAD21706 (nucleic acid: SEQ. ID. NO. 9, protein: SEQ. ID. NO. 10), TAT VI: (nucleic acid: SEQ. ID. NO. 11, protein: SEQ. ID. NO. 12)

[0038] the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase (nucleic acid: SEQ. ID. NO. 1, protein: SEQ. ID. NO. 2),

[0039] a variant of the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase (nucleic acid: SEQ. ID. NO. 3, protein: SEQ. ID. NO. 4),

[0040] the human tyrosine aminotransferase (Accession No. XP_(—)008081),

[0041] the Trypanosoma rangeli tyrosine aminotransferase (Accession No. AF165323_(—)1),

[0042] the Trypanosoma cruzi tyrosine aminotransferase (Accession No. AI 622965) or

[0043] the Rhizobium meliloti tyrosine aminotransferase (Accession No. L05065).

[0044] It is preferred to use nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2 or a sequence derived from this sequence by amino acid substitution, insertion or deletion which has at least 20% identity, preferably at least 33% identity, more preferably at least 35% identity, more referably at least 50% identity, more particularly preferably at least 70% identity, most preferably at least 90% identity, at the amino acid level with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2 and which have the enzymatic characteristic of a tyrosine aminotransferase.

[0045] Sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2 constitutes the amino acid sequence of the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase.

[0046] In the description, the term “substitution” is to be understood as meaning the exchange of one or more amino acids for one or ore amino acids. Exchanges which are preferably carried out are those known as conservative exchanges, in which the replaced amino acid has a similar characteristic to the original amino acid, for example the exchange of Glu for Asp, Gln for Asn, Val for Ile, Leu for Ile, Ser for Thr.

[0047] Deletion is the replacement of an amino acid by a direct bond. Preferred positions for deletions are the termini of the polypeptide and the linkages between the individual protein domains.

[0048] Insertions are introductions of amino acids into the polypeptide chain, a direct bond formally being replaced by one or more amino acids.

[0049] Identity between two proteins is understood as meaning the identity of the amino acids over the entire protein length in each case, in particular the identity which is calculated by alignment with the aid of the Lasergene Software by DNASTAR, Inc. Madison, Wis. (USA) using the Clustal Method (Higgins D G, Sharp P M. Fast and sensitive multiple sequence alignments on a microcomputer. Comput Appl. Biosci. 1989 Apr; 5(2):151-1) with the parameters set as follows: Multiple alignment parameter: Gap penalty 10 Gap length penalty 10 Pairwise alignment parameter: K-tuple 1 Gap penalty 3 Window 5 Diagonals saved 5

[0050] A protein with at least 20% identity at the amino acid level with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2, accordingly, is to be understood as meaning a protein which upon alignment of its sequence with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2, in particular using the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has at least 20% identity.

[0051] In accordance with the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, the known tyrosine aminotransferases have the following amino acid sequence identity [%] with SEQ. ID. NO. 2 (Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferases): CAA23026 (TAT I) 26.8% CAA23025 (TAT II) 22.3% AAD23027 (TAT III) 28.3% CAA16881 (TAT IV) 29.8% AAD21706 (TAT V) 30.0% TAT VI K19.P17.14 33.3% AF165323_1 (Trypanosoma rangeli) 33.3% XP_008081 (human) 91.6%

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase SEQ. ID. NO. 2 or the amino acid sequence of human tyrosine aminotransferase (Accession No. XP_(—)008081) are introduced into organisms.

[0053] Suitable nucleic acid sequences can be obtained, for example, by backtranslating the polypeptide sequence in accordance with the genetic code.

[0054] Codons which are preferably used for this purpose are those which are used frequently in accordance with the organism-specific codon usage. The codon usage can be determined readily with the aid of computer evaluations of other, known genes of the organisms in question.

[0055] If, for example, the protein is to be expressed in a plant, it is frequently advantageous to use the codon usage of the plant in the backtranslation.

[0056] In an especially preferred embodiment, a nucleic acid comprising the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 1 is introduced into the organism.

[0057] Sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 1 constitutes the cDNA of the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase (Accession No. NM_(—)012668).

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the organisms which are grown additionally have an increased activity of at least one of the activities selected from the group consisting of hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity, homogentisate phytyltransferase activity, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity, tocopherol cyclase activity and γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity over the wild type.

[0059] Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase.

[0060] A hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity to convert hydroxyphenylpyruvate into homogentisate.

[0061] Accordingly, hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity is understood as meaning the amount of hydroxyphenylpyruvate converted, or the amount of homogentisate produced, by the protein hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase within a certain time.

[0062] Thus, in a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity which is increased over the wild type, the amount of hydroxyphenylpyruvate converted, or the amount of homogentisate produced, by the protein hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase within a certain time is increased in comparison with the wild type.

[0063] This increase in the hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity preferably amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to at least 100%, more preferably to at least 300%, even more preferably to at least 500%, in particular to at least 600% of the hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity of the wild type.

[0064] Homogentisate phytyltransferase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a homogentisate phytyltransferase.

[0065] A homogentisate phytyltransferase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity to convert homogentisate and phytyl pyrophosphate into 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone.

[0066] Accordingly, homogentisate phytyltransferase activity is understood as meaning the amount of homogentisate or phytyl phyrophosphate converted, or the amount of 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone produced, by the protein 5 homogentisate phytyltransferase within a certain time.

[0067] Thus, in a homogentisate phytyltransferase activity which is increased over the wild type, the amount of homogentisate or phytyl pyrophosphate converted, or the amount of 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone produced, by the protein homogentisate phytyltransferase within a certain time is increased in comparison with the wild type.

[0068] This increase in the homogentisate phytyltransferase activity preferably amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to at least 100%, more preferably to at least 300%, even more preferably to at least 500%, in particular to at least 600% of the homogentisate phytyltransferase activity of the wild type.

[0069] Geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase.

[0070] A geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity to convert geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate into phytyl pyrophosphate.

[0071] Accordingly, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity is understood as meaning the amount of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate converted, or the amount of phytyl pyrophosphate produced, by the protein geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase within a certain time.

[0072] Thus, in a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity which is increased over the wild type, the amount of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate converted, or the amount of phytyl pyrophosphate produced, by the protein geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase within a certain time is increased in comparison with the wild type.

[0073] This increase in the geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity preferably amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to at least 100%, more preferably to at least 300%, even more preferably to at least 500%, in particular to at least 600% of the geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity of the wild type.

[0074] 2-Methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase.

[0075] A 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity to convert 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone into 2,3-dimethyl-6-phytyl-hydroquinol.

[0076] Accordingly, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity is understood as meaning the amount of 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinol converted, or the amount of 2,3-dimethyl-6-phytylhydroquinol produced, by the protein 2-methyl-6-phytyl-hydroquinone methyltransferase within a certain time.

[0077] Thus, in a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity which is increased over the wild type, the amount of 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone converted, or the amount of 2,3-dimethyl-6-phytylhydroquinone produced, by the protein 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase within a certain time is increased in comparison with the wild type.

[0078] This increase in the 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity preferably amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to at least 100%, more preferably to at least 300%, even more preferably to at least 500%, in particular to at least 600% of the 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity of the wild type.

[0079] Tocopherol cyclase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a tocopherol cyclase.

[0080] A tocopherol cyclase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity to convert 2,3-dimethyl-6-phytylhydroquinone into γ-tocopherol.

[0081] Accordingly, tocopherol cyclase activity is understood as meaning the amount of 2,3-dimethyl-6-phytylhydroquinone converted, or the amount of γ-tocopherol produced, by the protein tocopherol cyclase within a certain time.

[0082] Thus, in a tocopherol cyclase activity which is increased over the wild type, the amount of 2,3-dimethyl-6-phytylhydroquinone converted, or the amount of γ-tocopherol produced, by the protein tocopherol cyclase within a certain time is increased in comparison with the wild type.

[0083] This increase in the tocopherol cyclase activity preferably amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to at least 100%, more preferably to at least 300%, even more preferably to at least 500%, in particular to at least 600% of the tocopherol cyclase activity of the wild type.

[0084] γ-Tocopherol methyltransferase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase.

[0085] A γ-tocopherol methyltransferase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity to convert γ-tocopherol into α-tocopherol.

[0086] Accordingly, γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity is understood as meaning the amount of γ-tocopherol converted, or the amount of α-tocopherol produced, by the protein γ-tocopherol methyltransferase within a certain time.

[0087] Thus, in a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity which is increased over the wild type, the amount of γ-tocopherol converted, or the amount of α-tocopherol produced, by the protein γ-tocopherol methyltransferase within a certain time is increased in comparison with the wild type.

[0088] This increase in the γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity preferably amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to at least 100%, more preferably to at least 300%, even more preferably to at least 500%, in particular to at least 600% of the γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity of the wild type.

[0089] The increase in at least one of the activities selected from the group consisting of hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity, homogentisate phytyltransferase activity, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity, tocopherol cyclase activity and y-tocopherol methyltransferase activity can be effected independently of one another by various routes, for example by eliminating inhibiting regulatory mechanisms at the expression level and the protein level, or by increasing the gene expression of the nucleic acids in question, that is to say increasing the gene expression of at least one nucleic acid selected from the group of the nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase and nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase over the wild type.

[0090] Increasing the gene expression of the nucleic acid in question over the wild type can also be effected by various routes, for example by inducing the relevant genes by activators, that is to say by inducing the hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene, the homogentisate phytyltransferase gene, the geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene, the 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene, the tocopherol cyclase gene or the γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene by activators or by introducing one or more gene copies of the relevant nucleic acids into the organism, that is to say by introducing at least one of the nucleic acids selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase and nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase.

[0091] Increasing the gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, homogentisate phytyltransferase, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, tocopherol cyclase or γ-tocopherol methyltransferase is also understood as meaning, in accordance with the invention, the manipulation of the expression of the endogenous hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases, homogentisate phytyltransferases, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductases, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferases, tocopherol cyclases or γ-tocopherol methyltransferases of the organism itself, in particular the plants themselves.

[0092] This can be brought about for example by modifying the promoter DNA sequence for genes encoding hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, homogentisate phytyltransferase, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, tocopherol cyclase or γ-tocopherol methyltransferase. Such a modification, which results in an increased expression rate of the relevant gene, can be effected for example by deletion or insertion of DNA sequences.

[0093] As described hereinabove, it is possible to modify the expression of the endogenous hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, homogentisate phytyltransferase, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, tocopherol cyclase or γ-tocopherol methyltransferase by the application of exogenous stimuli. This can be effected by specific physiological conditions, i.e. by applying exogenous substances.

[0094] Moreover, a modified, or increased, expression of endogenous hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, homogentisate phytyltransferase, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, tocopherol cyclase or γ-tocopherol methyltransferase genes can be achieved by a regulatory protein which does not occur in the untransformed organism interacting with the promoter of these genes.

[0095] Such a regulator can constitute a chimeric protein which is composed of a DNA binding domain and a transcription activator domain, as described, for example, in WO 96/06166.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the increase in gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, hereinbelow also termed HPPD, is effected by introducing, into the organism, at least one nucleic acid encoding an HPPD.

[0097] In principle, any HPPD gene, that is to say any nucleic acid which encodes an HPPD, can be used for this purpose.

[0098] In the case of genomic HPPD nucleic acid sequences from eukaryotic sources, which comprise introns, it is preferred to use nucleic acid sequences which have already been processed, such as the corresponding cDNAs, in the event that the host organism is not capable, or cannot be made capable, of expressing the HPPD in question.

[0099] Examples of HPPD genes are nucleic acids encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana HPPD (nucleic acid: Seq. ID. No. 13, protein: Seq. ID. No. 14) or a barley HPPD (WO 99/04021).

[0100] In this preferred embodiment, at least one further HPPD gene is thus present in the transgenic organisms according to the invention compared with the wild type. In this preferred embodiment, the organism, accordingly, has at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an HPPD or at least two endogenous nucleic acids encoding an HPPD.

[0101] Nucleic acids which are preferably used in the above-described preferred embodiment are nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 14 or a sequence derived from this sequence by substitution, insertion or deletion of amino acids which have at least 30% identity, preferably at least 50% identity, more preferably at least 70% identity, more preferably at least 90% identity, most preferably at least 95% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 14 at the amino acid level and which have the enzymatic property of an HPPD.

[0102] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 14 constitutes the amino acid sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana HPPD.

[0103] Accordingly, a protein which has at least 30% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 14 at the amino acid level is understood as meaning a protein which, upon alignment of its sequence with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 14, in particular using the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has at least 30% identity.

[0104] Further examples of HPPD and HPPD genes can be found easily from a variety of organisms whose genomic sequence is known by homology comparisons of the amino acid sequences or of the corresponding backtranslated nucleic acid sequences from databases with SEQ ID. NO. 14.

[0105] For example, the barley HPPD has 57.5% identity with the Arabidopsis thaliana HPPD (SEQ. ID. No. 14).

[0106] Further examples of HPPD and HPPD genes can furthermore be found easily, for example starting from the sequence SEQ. ID. No. 13 in various organisms whose genomic sequence is not known, using hybridization and PCR techniques in a manner known per se.

[0107] In a further especially preferred embodiment, the hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity is increased by introducing, into organisms, nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana HPPD (SEQ. ID. NO. 14).

[0108] Suitable nucleic acid sequences can be obtained, for example, by backtranslating the polypeptide sequence in accordance with the genetic code.

[0109] Codons which are preferably used for this purpose are those which are used frequently in accordance with the organism-specific codon usage. The codon usage can be determined readily with the aid of computer evaluations of other, known genes of the organisms in question.

[0110] If, for example, the protein is to be expressed in plants, it is frequently advantageous to use the codon usage of the plant in the backtranslation.

[0111] In an especially preferred embodiment, a nucleic acid comprising the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 13 is introduced into the organism.

[0112] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 13 constitutes the genomic DNA of A. thaliana which encodes the HPPD of the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 14.

[0113] Furthermore, all of the abovementioned HPPD genes can be synthesized chemically, in a manner known per se, from the nucleotide units such as, for example, by fragment condensation of individual overlapping complementary nucleic acid units of the double helix. The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides can be carried out for example in the known manner by the phosphoamidite method (Voet, Voet, 2nd Edition, Wiley Press New York, pages 896-897). The addition of synthetic oligonucleotides and the filling-in of gaps with the aid of the Klenow fragment of the DNA polymerase and ligation reactions and general cloning methods are described in Sambrook et al. (1989), Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the increase in gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, hereinbelow also termed HPT, is effected by introducing, into the organism, at least one nucleic acid encoding an HPT.

[0115] In principle, any HPT gene, that is to say any nucleic acid which encodes an HPT, can be used for this purpose.

[0116] In the case of genomic HPT nucleic acid sequences from eukaryotic sources, which comprise introns, it is preferred to use nucleic acid sequences which have already been processed, such as the corresponding cDNAs, in the event that the host organism is not capable, or cannot be made capable, of expressing the HPT in question.

[0117] Examples of HPT genes are nucleic acids encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana HPT (nucleic acid: Seq. ID. No. 15, protein: Seq. ID. No. 16) or nucleic acids encoding a Glycine max, Helianthus annuus, Nicotiana tabacum, Physcomitrella patens, Brassica napus, Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgaris or Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 HPT.

[0118] In this preferred embodiment, at least one further HPT gene is thus present in the transgenic organisms according to the invention compared with the wild type. In this preferred embodiment, the organism, accordingly, has at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an HPT or at least two endogenous nucleic acids encoding an HPT.

[0119] Nucleic acids which are preferably used in the above-described preferred embodiment are nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 16 or a sequence derived from this sequence by substitution, insertion or deletion of amino acids which have at least 30% identity, preferably at least 50% identity, more preferably at least 70% identity, more preferably at least 90% identity, most preferably at least 95% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 16 at the amino acid level and which have the enzymatic property of an HPT.

[0120] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 16 constitutes the amino acid sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana HPT.

[0121] Accordingly, a protein which has at least 30% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 16 at the amino acid level is understood as meaning a protein which, upon alignment of its sequence with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 16, in particular using the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has at least 30% identity.

[0122] Further examples of HPT and HPT genes can be found easily from a variety of organisms whose genomic sequence is known by homology comparisons of the amino acid sequences or of the corresponding backtranslated nucleic acid sequences from databases with SEQ ID. NO. 16.

[0123] For example, the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 HPT has 40.9% identity with the Arabidopsis thaliana HPT (Seq. ID. No. 16).

[0124] Further examples of HPT and HPT genes can furthermore be found easily, for example starting from the sequence SEQ. ID. No. 15 in various organisms whose genomic sequence is not known, using hybridization and PCR techniques in a manner known per se.

[0125] In a further especially preferred embodiment, the homogentisate phytyltransferase activity is increased by introducing, into organisms, nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana HPT (SEQ. ID. NO. 16).

[0126] Suitable nucleic acid sequences can be obtained, for example, by backtranslating the polypeptide sequence in accordance with the genetic code.

[0127] Codons which are preferably used for this purpose are those which are used frequently in accordance with the organism-specific codon usage. The codon usage can be determined readily with the aid of computer evaluations of other, known genes of the organisms in question.

[0128] If, for example, the protein is to be expressed in plants, it is frequently advantageous to use the codon usage of the plant in the backtranslation.

[0129] In an especially preferred embodiment, a nucleic acid comprising the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 15 is introduced into the organism.

[0130] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 15 constitutes the genomic DNA of A. thaliana which encodes the HPT of the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 16.

[0131] Furthermore, all of the abovementioned HPT genes can be synthesized chemically, in a manner known per se, from the nucleotide units such as, for example, by fragment condensation of individual overlapping complementary nucleic acid units of the double helix. The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides can be carried out for example in the known manner by the phosphoamidite method (Voet, Voet, 2nd Edition, Wiley Press New York, pages 896-897). The addition of synthetic oligonucleotides and the filling-in of gaps with the aid of the Klenow fragment of the DNA polymerase and ligation reactions and general cloning methods are described in Sambrook et al. (1989), Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the increase in gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, hereinbelow also termed GGPPOR, is effected by introducing, into the organism, at least one nucleic acid encoding a GGPPOR.

[0133] In principle, any GGPPOR gene, that is to say any nucleic acid which encodes a GGPPOR, can be used for this purpose.

[0134] In the case of genomic GGPPOR nucleic acid sequences from eukaryotic sources, which comprise introns, it is preferred to use nucleic acid sequences which have already been processed, such as the corresponding cDNAs, in the event that the host organism is not capable, or cannot be made capable, of expressing the GGPPOR in question.

[0135] Examples of GGPPOR genes are nucleic acids encoding a Nicotiana tabacum GGPPOR (nucleic acid: Seq. ID. No. 17, protein: Seq. ID. No. 18) or nucleic acids encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max, Helianthus annuus, Physcomitrella patens, Brassica napus, Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgaris or Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 GGPPOR.

[0136] In this preferred embodiment, at least one further GGPPOR gene is thus present in the transgenic organisms according to the invention compared with the wild type. In this preferred embodiment, the organism, accordingly, has at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a GGPPOR or at least two endogenous nucleic acids encoding a GGPPOR.

[0137] Nucleic acids which are preferably used in the above-described preferred embodiment are nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 18 or a sequence derived from this sequence by substitution, insertion or deletion of amino acids which have at least 30% identity, preferably at least 50% identity, more preferably at least 70% identity, more preferably at least 90% identity, most preferably at least 95% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 18 at the amino acid level and which have the enzymatic property of a GGPPOR.

[0138] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 18 constitutes the amino acid sequence of the Nicotiana tabacum GGPPOR.

[0139] Accordingly, a protein which has at least 30% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 18 at the amino acid level is understood as meaning a protein which, upon alignment of its sequence with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 18, in particular using the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has at least 30% identity.

[0140] Further examples of GGPPOR and GGPPOR genes can be found easily from a variety of organisms whose genomic sequence is known by homology comparisons of the amino acid sequences or of the corresponding backtranslated nucleic acid sequences from databases with SEQ ID. NO. 18.

[0141] For example, the Arabidopsis thaliana GGPPOR has 80% identity with the Nicotiana tabacum GGPPOR (SEQ. ID. No. 18).

[0142] Further examples of GGPPOR and GGPPOR genes can furthermore be found easily, for example starting from the sequence SEQ. ID. No. 17 in various organisms whose genomic sequence is not known, using hybridization and PCR techniques in a manner known per se.

[0143] In a further especially preferred embodiment, the geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity is increased by introducing, into organisms, nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of the Nicotiana tabacum GGPPOR (SEQ. ID. NO. 18).

[0144] Suitable nucleic acid sequences can be obtained, for example, by backtranslating the polypeptide sequence in accordance with the genetic code.

[0145] Codons which are preferably used for this purpose are those which are used frequently in accordance with the organism-specific codon usage. The codon usage can be determined readily with the aid of computer evaluations of other, known genes of the organisms in question.

[0146] If, for example, the protein is to be expressed in plants, it is frequently advantageous to use the codon usage of the plant in the backtranslation.

[0147] In an especially preferred embodiment, a nucleic acid comprising the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 17 is introduced into the organism.

[0148] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 17 constitutes the genomic DNA of Nicotiana tabacum which encodes the GGPPOR of the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 18.

[0149] Furthermore, all of the abovementioned GGPPOR genes can be synthesized chemically, in a manner known per se, from the nucleotide units such as, for example, by fragment condensation of individual overlapping complementary nucleic acid units of the double helix. The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides can be carried out for example in the known manner by the phosphoamidite method (Voet, Voet, 2nd Edition, Wiley Press New York, pages 896-897). The addition of synthetic oligonucleotides and the filling-in of gaps with the aid of the Klenow fragment of the DNA polymerase and ligation reactions and general cloning methods are described in Sambrook et al. (1989), Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the increase in gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, hereinbelow also termed MT1, is effected by introducing, into the organism, at least one nucleic acid encoding an MT1.

[0151] In principle, any MT1 gene, that is to say any nucleic acid which encodes an MT1, can be used for this purpose.

[0152] In the case of genomic MT1 nucleic acid sequences from eukaryotic sources, which comprise introns, it is preferred to use nucleic acid sequences which have already been processed, such as the corresponding cDNAs, in the event that the host organism is not capable, or cannot be made capable, of expressing the MT1 in question.

[0153] Examples of MT1 genes are nucleic acids encoding a Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 MT1 (nucleic acid: Seq. ID. No. 19, protein: Seq. ID. No. 20).

[0154] In this preferred embodiment, at least one further MT1 gene is thus present in the transgenic organisms according to the invention compared with the wild type. In this preferred embodiment, the organism, accordingly, has at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an MT1 or at least two endogenous nucleic acids encoding an MT1.

[0155] Nucleic acids which are preferably used in the above-described preferred embodiment are nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 20 or a sequence derived from this sequence by substitution, insertion or deletion of amino acids which have at least 30% identity, preferably at least 50% identity, more preferably at least 70% identity, more preferably at least 90% identity, most preferably at least 95% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 20 at the amino acid level and which have the enzymatic property of an MT1.

[0156] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 20 constitutes the amino acid sequence of the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 MT1.

[0157] Accordingly, a protein which has at least 30% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 20 at the amino acid level is understood as meaning a protein which, upon alignment of its sequence with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 20, in particular using the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has at least 30% identity.

[0158] Further examples of MT1 and MT1 genes can be found easily from a variety of organisms whose genomic sequence is known by homology comparisons of the amino acid sequences or of the corresponding backtranslated nucleic acid sequences from databases with SEQ ID. NO. 20.

[0159] Further examples of MT1 and MT1 genes can furthermore be found easily, for example starting from the sequence SEQ. ID. No. 19 in various organisms whose genomic sequence is not known, using hybridization and PCR techniques in a manner known per se.

[0160] In a further especially preferred embodiment, the 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity is increased by introducing, into organisms, nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 MT1 (SEQ. ID. NO. 20).

[0161] Suitable nucleic acid sequences can be obtained, for example, by backtranslating the polypeptide sequence in accordance with the genetic code.

[0162] Codons which are preferably used for this purpose are those which are used frequently in accordance with the organism-specific codon usage. The codon usage can be determined readily with the aid of computer evaluations of other, known genes of the organisms in question.

[0163] If, for example, the protein is to be expressed in plants, it is frequently advantageous to use the codon usage of the plant in the backtranslation.

[0164] In an especially preferred embodiment, a nucleic acid comprising the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 19 is introduced into the organism.

[0165] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 19 constitutes the genomic DNA from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, which encodes the MT1 of the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 20.

[0166] Furthermore, all of the abovementioned MT1 genes can be synthesized chemically, in a manner known per se, from the nucleotide units such as, for example, by fragment condensation of individual overlapping complementary nucleic acid units of the double helix. The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides can be carried out for example in the known manner by the phosphoamidite method (Voet, Voet, 2nd Edition, Wiley Press New York, pages 896-897). The addition of synthetic oligonucleotides and the filling-in of gaps with the aid of the Klenow fragment of the DNA polymerase and ligation reactions and general cloning methods are described in Sambrook et al. (1989), Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment, the increase in gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a tocopherol cyclase, hereinbelow also termed CYC, is effected by introducing, into the organism, at least one nucleic acid encoding a CYC.

[0168] In principle, any CYC gene, that is to say any nucleic acid which encodes a CYC, can be used for this purpose.

[0169] In the case of genomic CYC nucleic acid sequences from eukaryotic sources, which comprise introns, it is preferred to use nucleic acid sequences which have already been processed, such as the corresponding cDNAs, in the event that the host organism is not capable, or cannot be made capable, of expressing the CYC in question.

[0170] Examples of CYC genes are nucleic acids encoding a Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 CYC (nucleic acid: Seq. ID. No. 21, protein: Seq. ID. No. 22) or nucleic acids encoding a Glycine max, Helianthus annuus, Nicotiana tabacum, Physcomitrella patens, Brassica napus, Oryza sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana or Hordeum vulgaris CYC.

[0171] In this preferred embodiment, at least one further CYC gene is thus present in the transgenic organisms according to the invention compared with the wild type. In this preferred embodiment, the organism, accordingly, has at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a CYC or at least two endogenous nucleic acids encoding a CYC.

[0172] Nucleic acids which are preferably used in the above-described preferred embodiment are nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 22 or a sequence derived from this sequence by substitution, insertion or deletion of amino acids which have at least 30% identity, preferably at least 50% identity, more preferably at least 70% identity, more preferably at least 90% identity, most preferably at least 95% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 22 at the amino acid level and which have the enzymatic property of a CYC.

[0173] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 22 constitutes the amino acid sequence of the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 CYC.

[0174] Accordingly, a protein which has at least 30% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. No. 22 at the amino acid level is understood as meaning a protein which, upon alignment of its sequence with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 22, in particular using the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has at least 30% identity.

[0175] Further examples of CYC and CYC genes can be found easily from a variety of organisms whose genomic sequence is known by homology comparisons of the amino acid sequences or of the corresponding backtranslated nucleic acid sequences from databases with SEQ ID. NO. 22.

[0176] For example, the Arabidopsis thaliana CYC has 29.1% identity with the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 CYC (SEQ. ID. No. 22).

[0177] Further examples of CYC and CYC genes can furthermore be found easily, for example starting from the sequence SEQ. ID. No. 21 in various organisms whose genomic sequence is not known, using hybridization and PCR techniques in a manner known per se.

[0178] In a further especially preferred embodiment, the tocopherol cyclase activity is increased by introducing, into organisms, nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 CYC (SEQ. ID. NO. 22).

[0179] Suitable nucleic acid sequences can be obtained, for example, by backtranslating the polypeptide sequence in accordance with the genetic code.

[0180] Codons which are preferably used for this purpose are those which are used frequently in accordance with the organism-specific codon usage. The codon usage can be determined readily with the aid of computer evaluations of other, known genes of the organisms in question.

[0181] If, for example, the protein is to be expressed in plants, it is frequently advantageous to use the codon usage of the plant in the backtranslation.

[0182] In an especially preferred embodiment, a nucleic acid comprising the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 21 is introduced into the organism.

[0183] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 21 constitutes the genomic DNA of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 which encodes the CYC of the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 22.

[0184] Furthermore, all of the abovementioned CYC genes can be synthesized chemically, in a manner known per se, from the nucleotide units such as, for example, by fragment condensation of individual overlapping complementary nucleic acid units of the double helix. The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides can be carried out for example in the known manner by the phosphoamidite method (Voet, Voet, 2nd Edition, Wiley Press New York, pages 896-897). The addition of synthetic oligonucleotides and the filling-in of gaps with the aid of the Klenow fragment of the DNA polymerase and ligation reactions and general cloning methods are described in Sambrook et al. (1989), Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, the increase in gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase, hereinbelow also termed γ-TMT, is effected by introducing, into the organism, at least one nucleic acid encoding a γ-TMT.

[0186] In principle, any γ-TMT gene, that is to say any nucleic acid which encodes a γ-TMT, can be used for this purpose.

[0187] In the case of genomic γ-TMT nucleic acid sequences from eukaryotic sources, which comprise introns, it is preferred to use nucleic acid sequences which have already been processed, such as the corresponding cDNAs, in the event that the host organism is not capable, or cannot be made capable, of expressing the γ-TMT in question.

[0188] Examples of γ-TMT genes are nucleic acids encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana γ-TMT (nucleic acid: Seq. ID. No. 23, protein: Seq. ID. No. 24) or nucleic acids encoding a Glycine max, Helianthus annuus, Nicotiana tabacum, Physcomitrella patens, Brassica napus, Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgaris or Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 γ-TMT.

[0189] In this preferred embodiment, at least one further γ-TMT gene is thus present in the transgenic organisms according to the invention compared with the wild type. In this preferred embodiment, the organism, accordingly, has at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a γ-TMT or at least two endogenous nucleic acids encoding a γ-TMT.

[0190] Nucleic acids which are preferably used in the above-described preferred embodiment are nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 24 or a sequence derived from this sequence by substitution, insertion or deletion of amino acids which have at least 30% identity, preferably at least 50% identity, more preferably at least 70% identity, more preferably at least 90% identity, most preferably at least 95% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 24 at the amino acid level and which have the enzymatic property of a γ-TMT.

[0191] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 24 constitutes the amino acid sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-TMT.

[0192] Accordingly, a protein which has at least 30% identity with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 24 at the amino acid level is understood as meaning a protein which, upon alignment of its sequence with the sequence SEQ. ID. No. 24, in particular using the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has at least 30% identity.

[0193] Further examples of γ-TMT and γ-TMT genes can be found easily from a variety of organisms whose genomic sequence is known by homology comparisons of the amino acid sequences or of the corresponding backtranslated nucleic acid sequences from databases with SEQ ID. NO. 24.

[0194] For example, the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 γ-TMT has 26.7% identity with the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-TMT (SEQ. ID. No. 24).

[0195] Further examples of γ-TMT and γ-TMT genes can furthermore be found easily, for example starting from the sequence SEQ. ID. No. 23 in various organisms whose genomic sequence is not known, using hybridization and PCR techniques in a manner known per se.

[0196] In a further especially preferred embodiment, the γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity is increased by introducing, into organisms, nucleic acids which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-TMT (SEQ. ID. NO. 24).

[0197] Suitable nucleic acid sequences can be obtained, for example, by backtranslating the polypeptide sequence in accordance with the genetic code.

[0198] Codons which are preferably used for this purpose are those which are used frequently in accordance with the organism-specific codon usage. The codon usage can be determined readily with the aid of computer evaluations of other, known genes of the organisms in question.

[0199] If, for example, the protein is to be expressed in plants, it is frequently advantageous to use the codon usage of the plant in the backtranslation.

[0200] In an especially preferred embodiment, a nucleic acid comprising the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 23 is introduced into the organism.

[0201] The sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 23 constitutes the genomic DNA of A. thaliana which encodes the γ-TMT of the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 24.

[0202] Furthermore, all of the abovementioned γ-TMT genes can be synthesized chemically, in a manner known per se, from the nucleotide units such as, for example, by fragment condensation of individual overlapping complementary nucleic acid units of the double helix. The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides can be carried out for example in the known manner by the phosphoamidite method (Voet, Voet, 2nd Edition, Wiley Press New York, pages 896-897). The addition of synthetic oligonucleotides and the filling-in of gaps with the aid of the Klenow fragment of the DNA polymerase and ligation reactions and general cloning methods are described in Sambrook et al. (1989), Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

[0203] In a further preferred embodiment of the process, the organisms additionally have a reduced activity of at least one of the activities selected from the group consisting of homogentisate dioxygenase activity, maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity and fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity which is reduced in comparison with the wild type.

[0204] A reduced activity is understood as meaning both the reduced and the complete elimination of the activity. Accordingly, a reduced activity also encompasses a quantitative reduction of the protein in question in the organism down to a complete absence of the protein in question, which can be tested, for example, by a lacking detectability of the enzyme activity in question or by a lacking immunological detectability of the proteins in question.

[0205] Homogentisate dioxygenase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a homogentisate dioxygenase.

[0206] A homogentisate dioxygenase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity of converting homogentisate into maleylacetoacetate.

[0207] Accordingly, homogentisate dioxygenase activity is understood as meaning the amount of homogentisate converted, or the amount of maleylacetoacetate produced, by the protein homogentisate dioxygenase in a specific time.

[0208] Thus, a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity in comparison with the wild type is understood as meaning the amount of homogentisate converted, or the amount of maleylacetoacetate produced, by the protein homogentisate dioxygenase within a certain time compared with the wild type.

[0209] Preferably, this reduction in the homogentisate dioxygenase activity amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to 100%. Especially preferred is the complete elimination of the homogentisate dioxygenase activity.

[0210] Maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a maleylacetoacetate isomerase.

[0211] A maleylacetoacetate isomerase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity of converting maleyl acetoacetate into fumarylacetoacetate.

[0212] Accordingly, maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity is understood as meaning the amount of maleylacetoacetate converted, or the amount of fumarylacetoacetate produced, by the protein maleylacetoacetate isomerase in a specific time.

[0213] Thus, a reduced maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity in comparison with the wild type is understood as meaning the amount of maleylacetoacetate converted, or the amount of fumarylacetoacetate produced, by the protein maleylacetoacetate isomerase within a certain time compared with the wild type.

[0214] Preferably, this reduction in the maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to 100%. Especially preferred is the complete elimination of the maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity.

[0215] Fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity is understood as meaning the enzyme activity of a fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase.

[0216] A fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase is understood as meaning a protein which has the enzymatic activity of converting fumarylacetoacetate into fumarate.

[0217] Accordingly, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity is understood as meaning the amount of fumarylacetoacetate converted, or the amount of fumerate produced, by the protein fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase in a specific time.

[0218] Thus, a reduced fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity in comparison with the wild type is understood as meaning the amount of fumarylacetoacetate converted, or the amount of fumarate produced, by the protein fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase within a certain time compared with the wild type.

[0219] Preferably, this reduction in the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity amounts to at least 5%, more preferably to at least 20%, more preferably to at least 50%, more preferably to 100%. Especially preferred is the complete elimination of the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity.

[0220] Homogentisate dioxygenase is hereinbelow also termed HGD, maleylacetoacetate isomerase is hereinbelow also termed MAAI, and fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase is hereinbelow also termed FAAH.

[0221] There exist many different ways of reducing the HGD, MAAI and/or FAAH activities in the desired manner.

[0222] One possible method encompasses the use of at least one nucleic acid sequence, hereinbelow also termed anti-HGD, anti-MAAI or anti-FAAH, which can be transcribed into an antisense nucleic acid sequence which is capable of inhibiting the HGD, MAAI and/or FAAH activity, for example by inhibiting the expression of endogenous HGD, MAAI and/or FAAH.

[0223] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, these anti-HGD, anti-MAAI or anti-FAAH nucleic acid sequences can comprise the encoding nucleic acid sequences of HGD, MAAI and/or FAAH or functionally equivalent fragments of the respective sequences in antisense orientation.

[0224] The antisense strategy can advantageously be combined with a ribozyme method. Ribozymes are catalytically active RNA sequences which, coupled to the antisense sequences, catalytically cleave the target sequences (Tanner N K. FEMS Microbiol Rev. 1999; 23(3):257-75). This can increase the efficacy of an antisense strategy.

[0225] Further methods of reducing the HGD, MAAI and/or FAAH expression, in particular in plants as organisms, comprise the overexpression of homologous HGD, MAAI and/or FAAH nucleic acid sequences which lead to cosuppression (Jorgensen et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 1996, 31(5):957-973) or the induction of the specific RNA degradation by the plant with the aid of a viral expression system (amplicon) (Angell, SM et al., Plant J. 1999, 20(3):357-362). These methods are also termed post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS).

[0226] Further methods are the introduction of nonsense mutations into the endogen by introducing RNA/DNA oligonucleotides into the plant (Zhu et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 2000, 18(5):555-558) or the generation of knock-out mutants with the aid of, for example, T-DNA mutagenesis (Koncz et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 1992, 20(5):963-976) or homologous recombination (Hohn, B. and Puchta, H, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 1999, 96:8321-8323.). Furthermore, gene overexpression or gene repression with specific DNA-binding factors, for example with the abovementioned factors of the zinc-finger transcription factor type is also possible. Furthermore, it is possible to introduce, into a cell, factors which inhibit the target protein itself. The protein-binding factors can be, for example, aptamers (Famulok M, and Mayer G. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 1999; 243:123-36).

[0227] A further method of reducing at least one of the above-described activities is the use of RNA which contains a region with duplex structure and, within this region, contains a nucleic acid sequence which is identical to part of the target sequence to be reduced. A detailed description of this method, also referred to as RNAi technology, is disclosed in WO 99/32619.

[0228] In a preferred embodiment, the additional reduction of at least one of the activities selected from the group consisting of HGD, MAAI and FAAH activity is effected by reducing the gene expression of at least one nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of the nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a maleylacetoacetate isomerase and nucleic acids encoding a fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase in comparison with the wild type.

[0229] A reduction of the gene expression of at least one nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of the nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a maleylacetoacetate isomerase and nucleic acids encoding a fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase in comparison with the wild type can be achieved as described above, preferably by using the following methods:

[0230] a) introducing antisense nucleic acid sequences;

[0231] b) introducing antisense nucleic acid sequences in combination with a ribozyme method

[0232] c) introducing nucleic acid sequences which encode homologous HGDs, MAAIs and/or FAAHs and which lead to cosuppression

[0233] d) introduction of expression constructs and viral nucleic acid sequences which bring about the degradation of HGDs, MAAIs and/or FAAHs;

[0234] e) introduction of nonsense mutants of endogenous nucleic acid sequences encoding HGDs, MAAIs and/or FAAHs;

[0235] f) introduction of knock-out mutants;

[0236] g) introduction of nucleic acid sequences suitable for homologous recombination;

[0237] h) introduction of RNA which contains a region with duplex structure and within this region contains a nucleic acid sequence which is identical to part of the endogenous target nucleic acid sequence.

[0238] A combined application of the above-described methods is also feasible.

[0239] In an especially preferred embodiment of the process, the organisms have a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity.

[0240] This is especially preferably achieved by introducing, into the organism, an RNA which contains a region with duplex structure and, within this region, contains a nucleic acid sequence which is identical to part of the endogenous nucleic acid encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase. A detailed description of this method, also referred to as RNAi technology, is disclosed in WO 99/32619.

[0241] Depending on the organism used, a different part-fragment of the endogenous nucleic acid encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase is to be used, accordingly.

[0242] For example, SEQ. ID. No. 25 constitutes a part-fragment of the HGD-encoding nucleic acid from Brassica napus which, integrated into a suitable RNAi construct, reduces the HGD activity in Brassica napus.

[0243] In further preferred embodiments of the process according to the invention, vitamin E is produced by growing organisms, in particular plants, which, in comparison with the wild type, show

[0244] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity,

[0245] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity,

[0246] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity,

[0247] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity,

[0248] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity,

[0249] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased tocopherol cyclase activity,

[0250] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity,

[0251] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0252] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and a reduced maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity,

[0253] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and a reduced fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity,

[0254] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity, an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0255] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0256] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0257] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0258] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased tocopherol cyclase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0259] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0260] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and a homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0261] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0262] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0263] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased tocopherol cyclase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0264] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0265] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0266] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0267] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased tocopherol cyclase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0268] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased γ-tocopherol methyltransferase and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0269] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity and an increased 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0270] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity, an increased tocopherol cyclase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0271] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity, an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity and an increased γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0272] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity and an increased 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity and an increased tocopherol cyclase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0273] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity, and an increased 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity and an increased γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity,

[0274] an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity and an increased hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity and an increased homogentisate phytyltransferase activity and an increased geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity and an increased 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity and an increased tocopherol cyclase activity, and an increased γ-tocopherol methyltransferase and a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity.

[0275] Organisms are understood as meaning, in accordance with the invention, prokaryotic organisms or eukaryotic organisms such as, for example, bacteria, yeast, algae, mosses, fungi or plants, which, as the wild type or owing to genetic modification, are capable of producing vitamin E. Preferred organisms are photosynthetically active organisms such as, for example, cyanobacteria, mosses, algae or plants, who as wild type are already capable of producing vitamin E.

[0276] Especially preferred organisms are plants.

[0277] Preferred plants are Tagetes, sunflower, Arabidopsis, tobacco, red pepper, soybean, tomato, eggplant, capsicum, carrot, potato, maize, lettuces and cabbage species, cereals, alfalfa, oats, barley, rye, wheat, triticale, sorghum and millet, rice, lucerne, flax, cotton, hemp, Brassicaceae such as, for example, oilseed rape or canola, sugar beet, sugar cane, nut and grapevine species, or woody species such as, for example, aspen or yew.

[0278] Especially preferred are Arabidopsis thaliana, Tagetes erecta, Brassica napus, Nicotiana tabacum, sunflower, canola, potato or soybean.

[0279] In the process according to the invention for the production of vitamin E, the step in which the genetically modified organisms, hereinbelow also termed transgenic organisms, are grown is preferably followed by harvesting the organisms and isolating vitamin E from the organisms.

[0280] The organisms are harvested in a manner known per se to suit the organism in question. Microorganisms such as bacteria, mosses, yeasts and fungi or plant cells, which can be grown by fermentation in liquid media, can be separated, for example, by centrifugation, decanting or filtration. Plants are grown on media in a manner known per se and harvested in a suitable fashion.

[0281] Vitamin E is isolated from the harvested biomass in a manner known per se, for example by extraction and, if appropriate, further chemical or physical purification processes such as, for example, precipitation methods, crystallography, thermal separation methods, such as rectification methods, or physical separation methods such as, for example, chromatography.

[0282] Vitamin E is isolated from oil-containing plants, for example, preferably by chemical conversion and distillation from vegetable oils or from the steam distillates obtained in the deodorization of vegetable oils (deodorizer condensates).

[0283] Further methods of isolating vitamin E from deodorizer condensates are described, for example, in DE 31 26 110 A1, EP 171 009 A2, GB 2 145 079, EP 333 472 A2 and WO 94/05650.

[0284] The transgenic organisms, in particular plants, are preferably generated by transformation of the starting organisms, in particular plants, with a nucleic acid construct comprising the above-described nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase which are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms.

[0285] Preferably, the nucleic acid constructs according to the invention additionally comprise one, two or three nucleic acids selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase and nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase which are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms.

[0286] In a further preferred embodiment, the above-described nucleic acid constructs additionally comprise, in operable linkage, an RNA which has a region with duplex structure and within this region has a nucleic acid sequence which is identical to part of a nucleic acid encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase.

[0287] In plants, in particular, it is technically difficult to increase or to reduce more than four activities with one nucleic acid construct. This is why it is preferred to use combinations of nucleic acid constructs in order to increase or reduce the activities, in particular to increase or reduce more than four activities, in the organism.

[0288] However, it is also possible to hybridize genetically modified organisms which already comprise modified activities. For example, hybridizing genetically modified organisms which comprise in each case two modified activities makes it possible to generate organisms with four modified activities. The same can also be achieved by introducing, into the organism, a combination of two nucleic acid constructs, each of which modifies activities.

[0289] In a preferred embodiment, the preferred genetically modified organisms are generated by introducing combinations of nucleic acid constructs.

[0290] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a combination of nucleic acid constructs, where the combination encompasses a nucleic acid construct comprising the above-described nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase in operable linkage with one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, and

[0291] a) at least one further nucleic acid construct selected from the group consisting of A to F

[0292] A nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase which are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms,

[0293] B nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase which are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms,

[0294] C nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase which are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms,

[0295] D nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase which are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms,

[0296] E nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase which are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, and

[0297] F nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase which are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms,

[0298] or

[0299] b) at least one further nucleic acid construct comprising two, three or four nucleic acid constructs selected from the group consisting of the nucleic acid constructs A to F.

[0300] These nucleic acid constructs in which the encoding nucleic acid sequences are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, in particular in plants, are also termed expression cassettes hereinbelow.

[0301] Accordingly, the invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid constructs, in particular nucleic acid constructs which act as expression cassettes, comprising a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase which is linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, in particular in plants.

[0302] The regulatory signals preferably comprise one or more promoters which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, in particular in plants.

[0303] The expression cassettes comprise regulatory signals, i.e. regulatory nucleic acid sequences, which govern the expression of the coding sequence in the host cell. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, an expression cassette comprises upstream, i.e. at the 5′-end of the coding sequence, a promoter and downstream, i.e. at the 3′-end, a polyadenylation signal and, if appropriate, further regulatory elements which are linked operably to the interposed coding sequence for at least one of the above-described genes. Operable linkage is understood as meaning the sequential arrangement of promoter, coding sequence, terminator and, if appropriate, further regulatory elements in such a way that each of the regulatory elements can, upon expression of the coding sequence, fulfill its function as intended.

[0304] When using plants as the organism, the nucleic acid constructs and expression cassettes according to the invention preferably comprise a nucleic acid encoding a plastid transit peptide which ensures localization in plastids.

[0305] The following text will describe examples of the preferred nucleic acid constructs, expression cassettes and vectors for plants and methods for generating transgenic plants as well as the transgenic plants themselves.

[0306] The sequences preferred for operable linkage, but not limited thereto, are targeting sequences for ensuring subcellular localization in the apoplasts, in the vacuole, in plastids, in the mitochondrion, in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in the nucleus, in elaioplasts, or other compartments and translation enhancers such as the tobacco mosaic virus 5′-leader sequence (Gallie et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 15 (1987), 8693-8711).

[0307] Suitable promoters in the expression cassette are, in principle, all promoters which are capable of controlling the expression of foreign genes in plants. It is preferable to use in particular a plant promoter or a promoter derived from a plant virus. Especially preferred is the cauliflower mosaic virus CaMV 35S promoter (Franck et al., Cell 21 (1980), 285-294). As is known, this promoter comprises different recognition sequences for transcriptional effectors which, in their totality, lead to permanent and constitutive expression of the gene which has been introduced (Benfey et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989), 2195-2202).

[0308] The expression cassette may also comprise a chemically inducible promoter, by means of which the expression of the target gene in the plant can be controlled at a particular point in time. Examples of such promoters which can be used are the PRP1 promoter (Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993), 361-366), a salicylic-acid-inducible promoter (WO 95/19443), a benzenesulfonamide-inducible promoter (EP-A 388186), a tetracycline-inducible promoter (Gatz et al., (1992) Plant J. 2, 397-404), an abscisic-acid-inducible promoter (EP-A 335528) or an ethanol- or cyclohexanone-inducible promoter (WO 93/21334).

[0309] Further preferred promoters are in particular those which ensure the expression in tissues or plant parts in which, for example, the biosynthesis of vitamin E or its precursors takes place. Promoters which must be mentioned in particular are those which ensure leaf-specific expression. Those to be mentioned are the potato cytosolic FBPase promoter or the potato ST-LSI promoter (Stockhaus et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989), 2445-245).

[0310] A foreign protein was expressed stably in an amount of up to 0.67% of the total soluble seed protein in the seeds of transgenic tobacco plants with the aid of a seed-specific promoter (Fiedler and Conrad, Bio/Technology 10 (1995), 1090-1094). The expression cassette can therefore comprise, for example, a seed-specific promoter (preferably the phaseolin promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,200), the USP promoter (Baumlein, H. et al., Mol. Gen. Genet. (1991) 225 (3), 459-467), the LEB4 promoter (Fiedler and Conrad, 1995), the sucrose binding protein promoter (reference), the LEB4 signal peptide, the gene to be expressed and an ER retention signal.

[0311] The biosynthesis site of vitamin E in plants is, inter alia, the leaf tissue, so that leaf-specific expression of the nucleic acids according to the invention encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase makes sense. However, this is not limiting since the expression can also take place in a tissue-specific manner in all the remaining parts of the plant, in particular in fatty seeds.

[0312] A further preferred embodiment therefore relates to a seed-specific expression of the above-described nucleic acids.

[0313] In addition, a constitutive expression of exogenous target genes is advantageous. On the other hand, however, inducible expression may also be desirable.

[0314] The expression efficacy of the recombinantly expressed target genes can be determined, for example, in vitro by shoot-meristem propagation. Moreover, an expression of the target gene, which has been modified with regard to type and level, and its effect on the vitamin E biosynthesis rate may be tested in greenhouse experiments using test plants.

[0315] An expression cassette is preferably generated by fusing a suitable promoter to an above-described target nucleic acid and, preferably, to a nucleic acid inserted between promoter and target nucleic acid sequence, which nucleic acid encodes a chloroplast-specific transit peptide, and also to a polyadenylation signal, using customary recombination and cloning techniques as are described, for example, in T. Maniatis, E. F. Fritsch and J. Sambrook, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (1989) and in T. J. Silhavy, M. L. Berman and L. W. Enquist, Experiments with Gene Fusions, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (1984) and in Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing Assoc. and Wiley-Interscience (1987).

[0316] Especially preferred are inserted nucleic acid sequences which ensure targeting in the plastids.

[0317] However, it is also possible to use expression cassettes whose nucleic acid sequence encodes a target protein fusion protein, one moiety of the fusion protein being a transit peptide which governs the translocation of the polypeptide. Preferred are chloroplast-specific transit peptides, which, after translocation of the target protein into the chloroplasts, are cleaved enzymatically from the target protein moiety.

[0318] Especially preferred is the transit peptide which is derived from the Nicotiana tabacum plastid transketolase or from another transit peptide (for example the transit peptide of the Rubisco small subunit or of ferredoxin NADP oxidoreductase or else the isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase-2) or its functional equivalent.

[0319] Especially preferred are nucleic acid sequences of three cassettes of the plastid transit peptide of the tobacco plastid transketolase in three reading frames as KpnI/BamHI fragments with an ATG codon in the NcoI cleavage site: pTP09 KpnI_GGTACCATGGCGTCTTCTTCTTCTCTCACTCTCTCTCAAGCTATC CTCTCTCGTTCTGTCCCTCGCCATGGCTCTGCCTCTTCTTCTCAACTTTC CCCTTCTTCTCTCACTTTTTCCGGCCTTAAATCCAATCCCAATATCACCA CCTCCCGCCGCCGTACTCCTTCCTCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGTCGTAAGG TCACCGGCGATTCGTGCCTCACCTGCAACCGAAACCATAGAGAAAACTGA GACTGCGGGATCC_BamHI pTP10 KpnI_GGTACCATGGCGTCTTCTTCTTCTCTCACTCTCTCTCAAGCTATC CTCTCTCGTTCTGTCCCTCGCCATGGCTCTGCCTCTTCTTCTCAACTTTC CCCTTCTTCTCTCACTTTTTCCGGCCTTAAATCCAATCCCAATATCACCA CCTCCCGCCGCCGTACTCCTTCCTCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGTCGTAAGG TCACCGGCGATTCGTGCCTCAGCTGCAACCGAAACCATAGAGAAAACTGA GACTGCGCTGGATCC_BamHI pTP11 KpnI_GGTACCATGGCGTCTTCTTCTTCTCTCACTCTCTCTCAAGCTATC CTCTCTCGTTCTGTCCCTCGCCATGGCTCTGCCTCTTCTTCTCAACTTTC CCCTTCTTCTCTCACTTTTTCCGGCCTTAAATCCAATCCCAATATCACCA CCTCCCGCCGCCGTACTCCTTCCTCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGCCGTCGTAAGG TCACCGGCGATTCGTGCCTCAGCTGCAACCGAAACCATAGAGAAAACTGA GACTGCGGGGATCC_BamHI

[0320] A further example of a plastid transit peptide is the transit peptide of the Arabidopsis thaliana plastid isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase-2 (IPP-2).

[0321] The nucleic acids according to the invention can have been prepared synthetically or obtained naturally or comprise a mixture of synthetic and natural nucleic acid constituents or else be composed of various heterologous gene segments of various organisms.

[0322] Preferred are, as described above, synthetic nucleotide sequences with codons which are preferred by plants. These codons which are preferred by plants can be determined from codons with the highest protein frequency which are expressed in most of the plant species of interest.

[0323] When preparing an expression cassette, it is possible to manipulate various DNA fragments in order to obtain a nucleotide sequence which expediently reads in the correct direction and which is equipped with a correct reading frame. To connect the DNA fragments to each other, adapters or linkers may be attached to the fragments.

[0324] The promoter and the terminator regions can expediently be provided, in the direction of transcription, with a linker or polylinker comprising one or more restriction sites for inserting this sequence. As a rule, the linker has 1 to 10, in most cases 1 to 8, preferably 2 to 6, restriction sites. In general, the linker within the regulatory regions has a size of less than 100 bp, frequently less than 60 bp, but at least 5 bp. The promoter can be either native, or homologous, or else foreign, or heterologous, relative to the host plant. The expression cassette preferably comprises, in the 5′-3′ direction of transcription, the promoter, a coding nucleic acid sequence or a nucleic acid construct and a region for transcriptional termination. Various termination regions can be exchanged for each other as desired.

[0325] Furthermore, manipulations can be employed which provide suitable restriction cleavage sites or which remove excess DNA or restriction cleavage sites. Where insertions, deletions or substitutions such as, for example, transitions and transversions, are suitable, in-vitro mutagenesis, primer repair, restriction or ligation can be used.

[0326] In the case of suitable manipulations, such as, for example, restrictions, chewing-back or filling in overhangs for blunt ends, complementary ends of the fragments can be provided for ligation.

[0327] Preferred polyadenylation signals are plant polyadenylation signals, preferably those which essentially correspond to T-DNA polyadenylation signals from Agrobacterium tumefaciens, in particular of gene 3 of the T-DNA (octopine synthase) of the Ti plasmid pTiACH5 (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3 (1984), 835 et seq.) or functional equivalents.

[0328] The invention furthermore relates to the use of the above-described nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase or of the above-described nucleic acid constructs or of tyrosine aminotransferase for generating transgenic organisms, in particular plants.

[0329] Preferably, these transgenic plants have a vitamin E content which is increased in comparison with the wild type.

[0330] The invention therefore furthermore relates to the use of the nucleic acids according to the invention or of the nucleic acid constructs according to the invention for increasing the vitamin E content in organisms whose wild type is capable of producing vitamin E.

[0331] It is known that plants with a high vitamin E content have an increased resistance to abiotic stress. Abiotic stress is understood as meaning, for example, low temperatures, frost, drought, high temperatures and salinity.

[0332] The invention therefore furthermore relates to the use of the nucleic acids according to the invention for generating transgenic plants which have an increased resistance to abiotic stress in comparison with the wild type.

[0333] The above-described proteins and nucleic acids can be used for producing fine chemicals in transgenic organisms, preferably for producing vitamin E in transgenic plants.

[0334] The transfer of foreign genes into the genome of an organism, in particular of a plant, is termed transformation.

[0335] In addition, in plants, in particular, methods known per se for the transformation and regeneration of plants from plant tissues or plant cells can be used for transient or stable transformation.

[0336] Suitable methods for the transformation of plants are the protoplast transformation by polyethylene-glycol-induced DNA uptake, the biolistic method with the gene gun—what is known as the particle bombardment method, electroporation, the incubation of dry embryos in DNA-containing solution, microinjection and the above-described Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. The abovementioned methods are described, for example, in B. Jenes et al., Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, edited by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-143 and in Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225.

[0337] The construct to be expressed is preferably cloned into a vector which is suitable for the transformation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, for example pBin19 (Bevan et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 12 (1984), 8711).

[0338] Accordingly, the invention furthermore relates to vectors comprising the above-described nucleic acids, nucleic acid constructs or expression cassettes.

[0339] Agrobacteria which have been transformed with an expression cassette can be used in the known manner for transforming plants, for example by bathing scarified leaves or leaf sections in an agrobacterial solution and subsequently growing them in suitable media.

[0340] The expression cassette can be employed not only in the plants, but also for the transformation of bacteria, in particular cyanobacteria, mosses, yeasts, filamentous fungi and algae.

[0341] For the preferred generation of genetically modified plants, also termed transgenic plants hereinbelow, the fused expression cassette which expresses a tyrosine aminotransferase is cloned into a vector, for example pBin19, which is suitable for the transformation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

[0342] Agrobacteria which have been transformed with such a vector can then be used in the known fashion for the transformation of plants, in particular crop plants, for example by bathing scarified leaves or leaf sections in an agrobacterial solution and subsequently growing them in suitable media.

[0343] The transformation of plants by agrobacteria is known, inter alia, from F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, edited by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38. Transgenic plants which comprise a gene for the expression of a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase integrated in the expression cassette can be regenerated in a known fashion from the transformed cells of the scarified leaves or leaf sections.

[0344] To transform a host plant with a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase, an expression cassette is incorporated into a recombinant vector in the form of an insertion, the DNA of the vector thereof additionally comprising functional regulatory signals, for example sequences for replication or integration. Suitable vectors are described, inter alia, in “Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology” (CRC Press), Chapter 6/7, pp. 71-119 (1993).

[0345] For example, the plant expression cassette can be incorporated into a derivative of the transformation vector pBin-19 with 35S promoter (Bevan, M., Nucleic Acids Research 12: 8711-8721 (1984)).

[0346] Using the above-cited recombination and cloning techniques, the expression cassettes can be cloned into suitable vectors which make possible their amplification, for example in E. coli. Examples of suitable cloning vectors are, inter alia, pBR322, pUC series, M13mp series and pACYC184. Especially suitable are binary vectors which are capable of replication both in E. coli and in agrobacteria.

[0347] The invention therefore furthermore relates to the use of the above-described nucleic acids, of the above-described nucleic acid constructs, in particular the expression cassettes, for the generation of genetically modified plants or for the transformation of plants, plant cells, plant tissues or plant parts.

[0348] The use is preferably aimed at increasing the vitamin E content of the plant or plant parts.

[0349] Depending on the choice of the promoter, the expression may take place specifically in the leaves, in the seeds, petals or other parts of the plant.

[0350] Accordingly, the invention furthermore relates to a method of generating genetically modified organisms by introducing an above-described nucleic acid or an above-described nucleic acid construct or an above-described combination of nucleic acid constructs into the genome of the starting organism.

[0351] The invention furthermore relates to the above-described genetically modified organisms themselves.

[0352] As mentioned above, the genetically modified organisms, in particular plants, have an increased vitamin E content.

[0353] The increase in the tyrosine aminotransferase activity in the organism to a further effect. Not only is the total vitamin E content increased, but the tocotrienols are additionally selectively increased in comparison with the tocopherols.

[0354] Materials used as organisms and for the generation of organisms with an increased fine chemicals content in comparison with the wild type are, in a preferred embodiment, as mentioned above, photosynthetically active organisms such as, for example, cyanobacteria, mosses, algae or plants, especially preferably plants, as starting organisms and, accordingly, also as genetically modified organisms.

[0355] Such transgenic plants, their propagation material and their plant cells, plant tissues or plant parts are a further subject of the present invention.

[0356] Preferred plants are, as mentioned above, Tagetes, sunflower, Arabidopsis, tobacco, red pepper, soybean, tomato, eggplant, capsicum, carrot, potato, maize, lettuces and cabbage species, cereals, alfalfa, oats, barley, rye, wheat, triticale, sorghum and millet, rice, lucerne, flax, cotton, hemp, Brassicaceae such as, for example, oilseed rape or canola, sugar beet, sugar cane, nut and grapevine species, or woody species such as, for example, aspen or yew.

[0357] Especially preferred are Arabidopsis thaliana, Tagetes erecta, Brassica napus, Nicotiana tabacum, sunflower, canola, potato or soybean.

[0358] As described above, the genetically modified organisms, in particular plants, can be used for the production of vitamin E.

[0359] Genetically modified plants according to the invention with an increased vitamin E content which can be consumed by humans and animals can also be used, for example directly or, following processing known per se, as food or feed, or as feed or food supplements.

[0360] The plants which have been genetically modified in accordance with the invention can furthermore be used for the production of vitamin E-containing extracts.

[0361] Increasing the vitamin E content preferably means, for the purposes of the present invention, the artificially acquired capability of an increased biosynthesis rate of these compounds in the plant in comparison with the non-genetically modified plant, preferably for the duration of at least one plant generation.

[0362] As a rule, an increased vitamin E content is understood as meaning an increased total tocopherol content. However, an increased vitamin E content is also understood as meaning, in particular, a modified content of the above-described 8 compounds with tocopherol activity.

[0363] For example, introduction of a tyrosine aminotransferase gene into plants surprisingly leads to a particularly pronounced increase in the tocotrienol content.

[0364] The invention will now be illustrated by examples which follow, but is not limited thereto:

[0365] General experimental conditions:

[0366] Sequence analysis of recombinant DNA.

[0367] Recombinant DNA molecules were sequenced with a Licor laser fluorescence DNA sequencer (available from MWG Biotech, Ebersbach) using the method of Sanger (Sanger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74 (1977), 5463-5467).

EXAMPLE 1 Cloning the Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene Encoding the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase

[0368] RNA was prepared from rat liver in a manner known per se as described by S. Kar and B. J. Carr in Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1995, 212(1), 21-6 (Differential display and cloning of messenger RNAs from the late phase of rat liver regeneration).

[0369] The cDNA synthesis was carried out using the SuperScript II cDNA synthesis kit (Gibco BRL) following the manufacturer's instructions.

[0370] The nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase was amplified from Rattus norvegicus by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (tyrosine aminotransferase 5′ SEQ. ID No. 3) and an antisense-specific primer (tyrosine aminotransferase 3′ SEQ. ID No. 4).

[0371] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0372] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0373] 2 μl of a Rattus norvegicus cDNA (prepared as described above);

[0374] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0375] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0376] 5 ∥g of bovine serum albumin;

[0377] 40 pmol of tyrosine aminotransferase 5′ primer;

[0378] 40 pmol of tyrosine aminotransferase 3′ primer;

[0379] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0380] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0381] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0382] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0383] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0384] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing);

[0385] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0386] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0387] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation);

[0388] Step 6: 4° C. (waiting loop);

[0389] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEM-Te/RnTATase1 was confirmed by sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (SEQ. ID. No. 1 and SEQ. ID. NO. 3).

EXAMPLE 2 Cloning the Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene 1 Encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 1

[0390] The DNA encoding the tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1 was amplified from Arabidopsis thaliana by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (At1 tyrosine aminotransferase 5′ SEQ. ID. No. 28) and an antisense-specific primer (At1 tyrosine aminotransferase 3′ SEQ. ID. No. 29).

[0391] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0392] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0393] 2 μl of an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA;

[0394] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0395] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0396] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0397] 40 pmol of At1 tyrosine aminotransferase 5′ primer;

[0398] 40 pmol of At1 tyrosine aminotransferase 3′ primer;

[0399] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0400] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0401] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0402] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing)

[0403] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0404] Step 3: 1 minute 55° C. (annealing);

[0405] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0406] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0407] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation);

[0408] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/AtTATase1 was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 5).

EXAMPLE 3 Cloning the Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene 3 Encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 3

[0409] The DNA encoding the tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3 was amplified from Arabidopsis thaliana by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (At3 tyrosine aminotransferase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 30) and an antisense-specific primer (At3 tyrosine aminotransferase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 31).

[0410] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0411] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0412] 2 μl of an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA;

[0413] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0414] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0415] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0416] 40 pmol of At3 tyrosine aminotransferase 5′ primer;

[0417] 40 pmol of Ar3 tyrosine aminotransferase 3′ primer;

[0418] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0419] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0420] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0421] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0422] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0423] Step 3: 1 minute at 56° C. (annealing);

[0424] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0425] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0426] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0427] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/AtTATase3 was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 7).

EXAMPLE 4 Cloning the Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene 5 Encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 5

[0428] The DNA encoding the tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5 was amplified from Arabidopsis thaliana by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (At5 tyrosine aminotransferase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 32) and an antisense-specific primer (At5 tyrosine aminotransferase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 33).

[0429] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0430] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0431] 2 μl of an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA;

[0432] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0433] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0434] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0435] 40 pmol of At5 tyrosine aminotransferase 5′ primer;

[0436] 40 pmol of At5 tyrosine aminotransferase 3′ primer;

[0437] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0438] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0439] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0440] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0441] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0442] Step 3: 1 minute at 56° C. (annealing);

[0443] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0444] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0445] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0446] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/AtTATase5 was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 9).

EXAMPLE 5 Cloning the Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene 6 Encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 6

[0447] The DNA encoding the tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6 was amplified from Arabidopsis thaliana by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (At6 tyrosine aminotransferase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 34) and an antisense-specific primer (At6 tyrosine aminotransferase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 35).

[0448] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0449] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0450] 2 μl of an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA;

[0451] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0452] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0453] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin

[0454] 40 pmol of At6 tyrosine aminotransferase 5′ primer;

[0455] 40 pmol of Ar6 tyrosine aminotransferase 3′ primer;

[0456] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0457] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0458] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0459] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0460] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0461] Step 3: 1 minute at 56° C. (annealing);

[0462] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0463] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0464] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0465] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/AtTATase6 was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 11).

EXAMPLE 6 Cloning the Geranylgeranyl-Pyrophosphate Oxidoreductase Gene Encoding the Nicotiana tabacum Geranylgeranyl-Pyrophosphate Oxidoreductase

[0466] The DNA encoding the geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene was amplified from Nicotiana tabacum by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase 5′: SEQ. ID. NO. 36) and an antisense-specific primer (geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 37).

[0467] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0468] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0469] 2 μl of a Nicotiana tabacum cDNA;

[0470] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0471] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0472] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0473] 40 pmol of geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase 5′ primer;

[0474] 40 pmol of geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase 3′ primer;

[0475] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0476] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0477] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0478] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0479] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0480] Step 3: 1 minute at 56° C. (annealing);

[0481] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0482] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0483] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0484] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEMTe (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/NtGGPPOR was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 17).

EXAMPLE 7 Cloning the Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Gene Encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase

[0485] The DNA encoding the hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene was amplified from Arabidopsis thaliana by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (At hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 38) and an antisense-specific primer (At hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 39).

[0486] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0487] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0488] 2 μl of an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA;

[0489] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0490] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0491] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0492] 40 pmol of At hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase 5′ primer;

[0493] 40 pmol of At hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase 3′ primer;

[0494] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0495] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0496] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0497] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0498] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0499] Step 3: 1 minute at 58° C. (annealing);

[0500] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0501] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0502] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0503] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/AtHPPD was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 13).

EXAMPLE 8 Cloning the Homogentisate Prenyltransferase Gene Encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana Homogentisate Prenyltransferase

[0504] The DNA encoding the homogentisate prenyltransferase gene was amplified from Arabidopsis thaliana by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (At homogentisate prenyltransferase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 40) and an antisense-specific primer (At homogentisate prenyltransferase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 41).

[0505] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0506] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0507] 2 μl of an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA;

[0508] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0509] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0510] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0511] 40 pmol of At homogentisate prenyltransferase 5′ primer;

[0512] 40 pmol of At homogentisate prenyltransferase 3′ primer;

[0513] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0514] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0515] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0516] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0517] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0518] Step 3: 1 minute at 58° C. (annealing);

[0519] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0520] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0521] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0522] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/AtHPT was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 15).

EXAMPLE 9 Cloning the 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone Methyltransferase Gene Encoding the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytyl-hydroquinone Methyltransferase

[0523] The DNA encoding the 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyl-transferase gene was amplified from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 42) and an antisense-specific primer (2-methyl-6-phytyl-hydroquinone methyltransferase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 43).

[0524] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0525] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μ2l reaction mix consisting of:

[0526] 2 μl of a Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 DNA;

[0527] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0528] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0529] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0530] 40 pmol of 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase 5′ primer;

[0531] 40 pmol of 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase 3′ primer;

[0532] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0533] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0534] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0535] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0536] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0537] Step 3: 1 minute at 58° C. (annealing);

[0538] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0539] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0540] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0541] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/SynMT1 was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq ID. No. 19).

EXAMPLE 10 Cloning the Tocopherol Cyclase Gene (Also Referred to as 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol Cyclase Gene) Encoding the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 Tocopherol Cyclase (Also Referred to as 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol Cyclase)

[0542] The DNA encoding the 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene was amplified from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 44) and an antisense-specific primer (2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase 3′: SEQ. ID No. 45).

[0543] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0544] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0545] 2 μl of a Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 DNA;

[0546] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0547] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0548] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0549] 40 pmol of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase 5′ primer;

[0550] 40 pmol of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase 3′ primer;

[0551] 15 μl of 10×Pful-Turbo DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene);

[0552] 5 U of Pful-Turbo DNA polymerase (Stratagene).

[0553] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0554] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0555] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0556] Step 3: 1 minute at 60° C. (annealing);

[0557] Step 4: 1.5 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0558] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0559] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0560] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pCRTopo4blunt (Invitrogen) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pCR4topoblunt/SynCyc was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−20) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 21).

EXAMPLE 11 Cloning the γ-Tocopherol Methyltransferase Gene Encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-Tocopherol Methyltransferase

[0561] The DNA encoding the γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene was amplified from Arabidopsis thaliana by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (Atγ-tocopherol methyltransferase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 46) and an antisense-specific primer (Atγ-tocopherol methyltransferase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 47).

[0562] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0563] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0564] 2 μl of an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA;

[0565] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0566] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0567] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0568] 40 pmol of Atγ-tocopherol methyltransferase 5′ primer;

[0569] 40 pmol of Atγ-tocopherol methyltransferase 3′ primer;

[0570] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0571] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase XL (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0572] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0573] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0574] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0575] Step 3: 1 minute at 58° C. (annealing);

[0576] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0577] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0578] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0579] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/AtγTMT was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 23).

EXAMPLE 12 Cloning a Part-Fragment of the Homogentisate Dioxygenase Gene Encoding the Brassica napus Homogentisate Dioxygenase

[0580] The DNA encoding a part-fragment of the homogentisate dioxygenase gene was amplified from Brassica napus by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a sense-specific primer (homogentisate dioxygenase 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 48) and an antisense-specific primer (homogentisate dioxygenase 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 49).

[0581] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0582] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0583] 2 μl of a Brassica napus cDNA;

[0584] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0585] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0586] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0587] 40 pmol of homogentisate dioxygenase 5′ primer;

[0588] 40 pmol of homogentisate dioxygenase 3′ primer;

[0589] 15 μl of 3.3×rTth DNA polymerase XL buffer (PE Applied Biosystems);

[0590] 5 U of rTth DNA polymerase (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0591] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0592] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0593] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0594] Step 3: 1 minute at 56° C. (annealing);

[0595] Step 4: 2 minutes at 72° C. (elongation);

[0596] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0597] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0598] The amplicon was cloned into the PCR cloning vector pGEM-Te (Promega) using standard methods. The identity of the amplicon generated in the vector pGEMTe/*BnHGD was confirmed by complete sequencing using the M13F (−40) primer and the M13R primer (Seq. ID. No. 25).

EXAMPLE 13 Generation of the DNA Construct for the Seed-Specific Suppression of the Expression of the Brassica napus Homogentisate Dioxygenase Gene

[0599] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express a reduced expression of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used. This vector was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene (Weschke W., Bassüner R., van Hai N., Czihal A., Bäumlein H., Wobus U. The structure of a Vicia faba Vicilin Gene. Biochem. Physiol. plants 183,233-242 (1988)) and the Intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene (Vancanneyt G., Schmidt R., O'Connor-Sanchez A., Willmitzer L., Rocha-Sosa M. Construction of an intron-containing marker gene: Splicing of the intron in transgenic plants and its use in monitoring early events in Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation. MGG (1990)) and the termination signal 2 of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens octopine synthase gene (Gielen et al. 1984).

[0600] The DNA fragment encoding the part-fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene was cloned as SacI/ScaI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/*BnHGD into the SmaI-opened pSUN2-Pvic-STLS1-ocsT after the overhanging ends of the fragment had been made blunt-ended with T4 polymerase. The resulting plasmid pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-ocsT was digested with ScaI. The fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisic acid dioxygenase gene was cloned from plasmid pGEMTe/*BnHGD as blunt-ended SacI/ScaI fragment into this linearized vector. In doing so, care was taken that the two BnHGD fragments are present in opposite orientation on the two sides of the STLS1 intron. This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT (FIG. 1) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus and A. thaliana plants.

[0601] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 1 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has, in the vector, the opposite orientation of B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene.

EXAMPLE 14 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0602] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic A. thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum and Brassica napus plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (patent WO 02/00900) was used. This vector was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP) (Bäumlein H., Boerjan W., Nagy I., Bassüner R., van Montagu M., Inzé D., Wobus U. A novel seed protein gene from Vicia faba is developmentally regulated in transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis plants. MGG 225:459-467 (1991)), the sequence encoding the chloroplast transit peptide of the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS) gene (Guerineau F., Woolston S., Brooks L., Mullineaux P. An expression cassette for targeting foreign proteins into chloroplasts. Nucleic Acids Res 16(23): 11380. (1988)) and the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene (Depicker A, Stachel S, Dhaese P, Zambryski P, Goodman H M. Nopaline synthase: transcript mapping and DNA sequence. J Mol Appl Genet. 1982;1(6):561-73).

[0603] The DNA fragment encoding the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene was cloned from plasmid pGEMTe/RnTATase as EcoR5 fragment into pSUN2-USPP-rbcS-nosT after the latter had been digested with the restriction enzyme SmaI. This gave a translational fusion with the transit peptide of ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS), thus ensuring the import of the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase into the plastids.

[0604] This plasmid (pSUN2USPP-rbcS-RnTATase-nosT, FIG. 2) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus and A. thaliana plants.

[0605] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 2 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (235 bp) encodes the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS) transit peptide. Fragment C (1365 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 15 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 1 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0606] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0607] This vector was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein (USPP) (Bäumlein et al., 1991) and the termination signal of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene (GIELEN, J., de BEUCKELEER, M., SEURINCK, J., DEBROECK, H., de GREVE, H., LEMMERS, M., van MONTAGU, M., SCHELL, J. The complete nucleotide sequence of the TL-DNA of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens plasmid pTiAch5. EMBO J. 3: 835-846. (1984)).

[0608] The DNA fragment encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1 was isolated as SalI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/AtTATase1 and, after the SalI ends had been filled in with Klenow enzyme, cloned into pSUN2-USPP-nosT after the latter had been digested partially with the restriction enzyme SmaI (size of the linearized vector 8250 bp).

[0609] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, FIG. 3) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0610] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 3 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (1269 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1, and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 16 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 3 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0611] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0612] This vector was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein (USPP) (Bäumlein et al., 1991) and the termination signal of the Agrobacterium nopaline synthase gene (Gielen et al. 1984).

[0613] The DNA fragment encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3 was isolated as SalI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/AtTATase3 and, after the SalI end had been filled in with Klenow enzyme, cloned into pSUN2-USPP-nosT after the latter had been digested partially with the restriction enzyme SmaI (size of the linearized vector 8250 bp).

[0614] This plasmid (pSUN2USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, FIG. 4) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0615] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 4 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (1334 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3, and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 17 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 5 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0616] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0617] This vector was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein (USPP) (Bäumlein et al., 1991) and the termination signal of the Agrobacterium nopaline synthase gene (Gielen et al. 1984).

[0618] The DNA fragment encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5 was isolated as BamHI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/AtTATase5 and, after the SalI end had been filled in with Klenow enzyme, cloned into pSUN2-USPP-nosT after the latter had been digested partially with the restriction enzyme SmaI (size of the linearized vector 8250 bp).

[0619] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, FIG. 5) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0620] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 5 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene, fragment B (1389 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5, and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 18 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 6 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0621] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0622] This vector was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP) (Bäumlein et al., 1991) and the termination signal of the Agrobacterium nopaline synthase gene (Gielen et al. 1984).

[0623] The DNA fragment encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6 was isolated as SalI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/AtTATase6 and, after the SalI ends had been filled with Klenow enzyme, cloned into pSUN2-USPP-nosT after the latter had been digested partially with the restriction enzyme SmaI (size of the linearized vector 8250 bp).

[0624] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, FIG. 6) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0625] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 6 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene, fragment B (1243 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6, and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 19 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Nicotiana tabacum Geranylgeranyl-Pyrophosphate Oxidoreductase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0626] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Nicotianum tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0627] First, vector puc19 (New England Biolabs) was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the legumin B4 gene (Kafatos et al., 1986) and the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase (Depicker et al., 1982). The resulting vector is known as puc19-LeB4-nosT.

[0628] The DNA fragment encoding the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene was cloned as KpnI/SalI fragment into puc19LeB4nosT after the latter had been digested with the restriction enzymes KpnI/SalI.

[0629] The DNA consisting of LeB4 promoter, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene (nucleotides 1 to 1323 of Seq. ID 7) was isolated from vector puc19-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT as SmaI/Hind3 fragment and cloned into vector pSUN2 after the latter had been digested with the restriction enzyme SmaI/Hind3. The resulting vector is known as pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR (nuc.1-1323). The DNA composed of geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene (nucleotide 1319 to 1509 of Seq. ID. No. 17), nos termination sequence was isolated as Hind3 fragment from the vector puc19-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT after the latter had also been cleaved with Hind3.

[0630] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT, FIG. 7) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0631] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 7 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene, and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 20 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0632] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0633] This vector was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP) (Bäumlein et al., 1988) and the termination signal 1 of the A. tumefaciens octopine synthase gene (Depicker et al., 1982).

[0634] The DNA fragment encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase was isolated as BamHI/SalI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/AtHPPD and, after the BamHI end and SalI end had been filled in with Klenow enzyme, cloned into the vector pSUN2-USPP-ocsT which had been digested partially with the restriction enzyme SmaI (size of the linearized vector 8691 bp).

[0635] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT, FIG. 8) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0636] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 8 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene, fragment B (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene, and fragment C (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 21 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Homogentisate Phytyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0637] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0638] This vector was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP) (Bäumlein et al., 1991) and the termination signal 1 of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene (Depicker et al., 1982).

[0639] The DNA fragment encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase was isolated as BamHI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/AtHPT and, after the BamHI ends had been filled in with Klenow enzyme, cloned into pSUN2-USPP-ocsT after the latter had been digested partially with SmaI (size of the linearized vector 88691 bp).

[0640] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT, FIG. 9) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0641] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 9 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene, fragment B (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene, and fragment C (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 22 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone Methyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0642] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) is used.

[0643] This vector is modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the legumin B4 gene (Kafatos et al., 1986), the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the A. thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase-2 (IPP-2) and the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene (Depicker et al., 1982).

[0644] The DNA fragment encoding the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase is isolated as BamHI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/SynMT1 and, after the BamHI ends have been filled in with Klenow enzyme, and cloned into the SalI-digested pSUN2-Leb4P-IPP-nosT whose SalI ends are also filled in with Klenow enzyme. This generates a translational fusion with the IPP-2 transit peptide, thus ensuring the import of 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase into the chloroplasts.

[0645] This plasmid (pSUN2LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT, FIG. 10) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0646] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 10 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase-2. Fragment C (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene, and fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 23 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol Cyclase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0647] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0648] This vector is modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the legumin B4 gene (Kafatos et al., 1986), the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the A. thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase-2 (IPP-2) and the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene (Depicker et al., 1982).

[0649] The DNA fragment encoding the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase is isolated as BamHI fragment from plasmid pGEMTe/SynCyc and, after the BamHI ends have been filled in with Klenow enzyme, cloned into the SalI-digested pSUN2-Leb4P-IPP-nosT whose SalI ends are also filled in with Klenow enzyme. This generates a translational fusion with the IPP-2 transit peptide, thus ensuring the import of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase into the chloroplasts.

[0650] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4P-IPP-SynCyc-nosT, FIG. 11) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0651] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 11 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase-2 transit peptide. Fragment C (1100 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene, and fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 24

[0652] generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter.

[0653] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2 (WO 02/00900) was used.

[0654] First, the vector puc19 (New England Biolabs) was modified in such a way that it comprises the seed-specific promoter of the sucrose binding protein gene (SBP-P) (DE 19852195 C2) and the 35S termination sequence of the cauliflower mosaic virus (FRANCK, A., GUILLEY, H., JONARD, G., RICHARDS, K., HIRTH, L. Nucleotide sequence of cauliflower mosaic virus DNA. Cell 21: 285-294. (1980)). The resulting vector is referred to as puc19-SBPP-35ST.

[0655] The DNA fragment encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene was cloned as BamHI/SalI fragment into puc19-SBPP-AtγTMT-35ST after the latter had been digested with the restriction enzyme BamHI/SalI.

[0656] The expression cassette consisting of: SBP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene and 35ST termination sequence was amplified by PCR using a sense-specific primer (SBPP-XbaI 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 50) and an antisense-specific primer (35ST-XbaI 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 51) and cloned into the vector pCR4topoblunt (Invitrogen).

[0657] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0658] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0659] 1 μl of a puc19-SBPP-AtγTMT-35ST plasmid DNA;

[0660] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0661] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂;

[0662] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0663] 40 pmol of SBPP-XbaI 5′ primer;

[0664] 40 pmol of 35ST-XbaI 3′ primer;

[0665] 5 μl of 10×Pful DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene);

[0666] 5 U of Pful DNA polymerase (Stratagene).

[0667] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0668] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0669] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0670] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing);

[0671] Step 4: 10 minutes at 68° C. (elongation);

[0672] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0673] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0674] The DNA fragment consisting of SBP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene and 35ST termination sequence was isolated as XbaI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/SBPP-γTMT-35ST and cloned into the vector pSUN2 after the latter had been digested with the restriction enzyme XbaI.

[0675] This plasmid (pSUN2-SBPP-γTMT-35ST, FIG. 12) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0676] Fragment A (1788 bp) in FIG. 12 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment B (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, and fragment C (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator.

EXAMPLE 25 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter in Combination with the Seed-Specific Suppression of the Expression of the Brassica napus Homogentisate Dioxygenase Gene

[0677] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and simultaneously confer the seed-specific suppression of the expression of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene, the vector pSUN2-Pvic-BnHGD*-STLS1-αBnHGD*-ocsT and the vector pSUN2USPP-rbcS-RnTATase-nosT were used.

[0678] The expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, rbcS transit peptide, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene and nos termination sequence was amplified from the vector pSUN2USPP-rbcS-RnTATase-nosT by means of PCR using a sense-specific primer (USPP-SrfI 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 52) and an antisense-specific primer (nosT-SrfI 3′: SEQ. ID. No. 53) and cloned into the vector pCR4topoblunt (Invitrogen).

[0679] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0680] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0681] 1 μl of the pSUN2-USPP-rbcS-RnTATase-nosT plasmid DNA;

[0682] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP;

[0683] 1.5 mM Mg (OAc)₂;

[0684] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin;

[0685] 40 pmol of USPP-SrfI 5′ primer;

[0686] 40 pmol of nosT-SrfI 3′ primer;

[0687] 5 μl of 10×Pfu1 Turbo DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene);

[0688] 5 U of Pful Turbo DNA polymerase (Stratagene).

[0689] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0690] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing);

[0691] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.;

[0692] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing);

[0693] Step 4: 8 minutes at 68° C. (elongation);

[0694] 30 cycles of steps 2-4;

[0695] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation).

[0696] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, rbcS transit peptide, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene and nos termination sequence was isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-rbcS-RnATase-nosT and cloned into the vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT after the latter had been digested with the restriction enzyme EcoRV.

[0697] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT-USPP-rbcS-RnATase-nosT, FIG. 13) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0698] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 13 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene, and fragment C (198 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene, fragment G (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS). Fragment H (1365 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene, and fragment I (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 26 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 1 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and for the Seed-Specific Suppression of the Expression of the Brassica napus Homogentisate Dioxygenase Gene

[0699] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vector pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT and the vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT were combined with each other.

[0700] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 gene and nos terminator was isolated as EcoRI/SmaI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, the EcoRI end was filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct was cloned into the vector pSUNPvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT which had been digested with EcoRV.

[0701] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, FIG. 14) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0702] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 14 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment G (1269 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1, and fragment H (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 27 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase-3 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and for the Seed-Specific Suppression of the Expression of the Brassica napus Homogentisate Dioxygenase Gene

[0703] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vector pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT and the vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-*BnHGD-ocsT were combined with each other.

[0704] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 gene and nos terminator was isolated as EcoRI/SmaI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, the EcoRI end was filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct was cloned into the vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT which had been digested with EcoRV.

[0705] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, FIG. 15) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0706] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 15 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein” gene (USPP), fragment G (1334 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3, and fragment H (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 28 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 5 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and for the Seed-Specific Suppression of the Expression of the Brassica napus Homogentisate Dioxygenase Gene

[0707] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vector pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT and the vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT were combined with each other.

[0708] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 gene and nos terminator was isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT , the EcoRI end was filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct was cloned into the vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT which had been digested with EcoRV.

[0709] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, FIG. 16) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0710] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 16 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein” gene, fragment G (1389 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5 and fragment H (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 29 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 6 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and for the Seed-Specific Suppression of the Expression of the Brassica napus Homogentisate Dioxygenase Gene

[0711] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter, and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vector pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT and the vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT were combined with each other.

[0712] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: SP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 gene and nos terminator was isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, the EcoRI end was filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct was cloned into the vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT which had been digested with EcoRV.

[0713] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, FIG. 17) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0714] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 17 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein” gene, fragment G (1243 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6 and fragment H (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 30 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum Geranylgeranyl-Pyrophosphate Oxidoreductase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0715] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which encode the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pSUN2-LEB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0716] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase and nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT and cloned into the XhoI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT whose XhoI ends had previously been made blunt-ended with Klenow enzyme.

[0717] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPORnosT/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT, FIG. 18) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0718] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 18 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS). Fragment C (1365 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment F (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 31 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 1 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum Geranylgeranyl-Pyrophosphate Oxidoreductase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0719] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT were combined with each other.

[0720] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the XhoI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT whose XhoI ends have previously been made blunt-ended with Klenow enzyme.

[0721] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT/USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, FIG. 19) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0722] Fragment A. (678 bp) in FIG. 19 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (1269 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment E (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment F (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 32 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 3 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum Geranylgeranyl-Pyrophosphate Oxidoreductase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0723] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT were combined with each other.

[0724] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the XhoI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT whose XhoI-ends have previously been made blunt-ended with Klenow enzyme.

[0725] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPORnosT/USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, FIG. 20) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0726] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 20 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene” (USPP), fragment B (1334 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment E (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment F (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 33 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 5 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum Geranylgeranyl-Pyrophosphate Oxidoreductase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0727] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT are combined with each other.

[0728] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the XhoI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT whose XhoI ends have previously been made blunt-ended with Klenow enzyme.

[0729] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPORnosT/USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, FIG. 21) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0730] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 21 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1389 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment E (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment F (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 34 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 6 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum Geranylgeranyl-Pyrophosphate Oxidoreductase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0731] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT are combined with each other.

[0732] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the XhoI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT whose XhoI ends have previously been made blunt-ended with Klenow enzyme.

[0733] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPORnosT/USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, FIG. 22) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0734] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 22 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1243 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment E (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment F (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 35 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0735] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for the generation of transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0736] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase and nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT and cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT.

[0737] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT, FIG. 23) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0738] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 23 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS). Fragment C (1365 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment F (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment G (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 36 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 1 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0739] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0740] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled up with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT.

[0741] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, FIG. 24) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0742] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 24 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (1269 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 37 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 3 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0743] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT are combined with each other.

[0744] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT.

[0745] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, FIG. 25) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0746] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 25 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene” (USPP), fragment B (1334 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 38 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 5 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0747] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT are combined with each other.

[0748] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT.

[0749] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, FIG. 26) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0750] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 26 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1389 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 39 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 6 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0751] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT are combined with each other.

[0752] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT.

[0753] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, FIG. 27) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0754] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 27 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1243 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 40 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Homogentisate Phytyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0755] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0756] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase and nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT.

[0757] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT, FIG. 28). is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0758] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 28 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS). Fragment C (1365 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment F (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene. Fragment G (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 41 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 1 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Homogentisate Phytyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0759] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0760] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT.

[0761] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, FIG. 29) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0762] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 29 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (1269 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 42 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 3 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Homogentisate Phytyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0763] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT are combined with each other.

[0764] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT.

[0765] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, FIG. 30) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0766] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 30 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene” (USPP), fragment B (1334 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 43 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 5 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Homogentisate Phytyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0767] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase-5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT were combined with each other.

[0768] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT.

[0769] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, FIG. 31) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0770] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 31 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1389 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 44 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 6 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana Homogentisate Phytyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0771] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT were combined with each other.

[0772] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT.

[0773] This plasmid (pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT/USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, FIG. 32) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0774] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 32 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1243 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 45 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone Methyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0775] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0776] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase and nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT and cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT.

[0777] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT, FIG. 33) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0778] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 33 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment F (235 bp) encodes the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS) transit peptide. Fragment G (1365 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Fragment H (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 46 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 1 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone Methyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0779] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0780] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT.

[0781] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT/USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, FIG. 34) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0782] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 34 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment F (1269 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 47 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 3 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone Methyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0783] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT are combined with each other.

[0784] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT.

[0785] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT/USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, FIG. 35) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0786] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 35 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene” (USPP), fragment F (1334 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 48 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 5 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone Methyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0787] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT are combined with each other.

[0788] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT.

[0789] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT/USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, FIG. 36) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0790] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 36 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment F (1389 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 49 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana Tyrosine Aminotransferase 6 Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone Methyltransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0791] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT are combined with each other.

[0792] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT.

[0793] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT/USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, FIG. 37) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0794] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 37 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment F (1243 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 50 Generation of DNA Constructs for Expressing the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol Cyclase Under the Control of a Seed-Specific Promoter

[0795] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0796] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase and nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT and cloned into the EcoRI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT, whose EcoRI ends are also filled in.

[0797] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT, FIG. 38) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0798] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 38 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (1100 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment F (235 bp) encodes the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS) transit peptide. Fragment G (1365 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Fragment H (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 51

[0799] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0800] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0801] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the EcoRI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT whose EcoRI ends are filled in with Klenow enzyme.

[0802] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT/USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, FIG. 39) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0803] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 39 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (1100 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment F (1269 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 52

[0804] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0805] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT are combined with each other.

[0806] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the EcoRI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT whose EcoRI ends are likewise filled in.

[0807] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT/USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, FIG. 40) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0808] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 40 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (1100 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene” (USPP), fragment F (1334 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 53

[0809] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0810] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT are combined with each other.

[0811] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the EcoRI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT whose EcoRI ends are likewise filled in.

[0812] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT/USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, FIG. 41) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0813] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 41 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (1100 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment F (1389 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 54

[0814] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0815] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT are combined with each other.

[0816] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the EcoRI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT whose EcoRI ends are likewise filled in.

[0817] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT/USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, FIG. 42) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0818] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 42 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (1100 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment F (1243 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 55

[0819] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0820] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35ST and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0821] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase and nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT and cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT.

[0822] This plasmid (pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT/USPP-rbcS-RnTATase1-nosT, FIG. 43) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0823] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 43 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the Vicia faba ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcS). Fragment C (1365 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene. Fragment E (1788 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment F (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, fragment G (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator.

EXAMPLE 56

[0824] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0825] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors SUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0826] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 1 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT.

[0827] This plasmid (pSUN2LeB4-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT/USPP-AtTATase1-nosT, FIG. 44) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0828] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 44 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba unknown seed protein gene (USPP), fragment B (1269 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (1788 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment E (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, fragment F (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator.

EXAMPLE 57

[0829] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT are combined with each other.

[0830] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 3 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT.

[0831] This plasmid (pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT/USPP-AtTATase3-nosT, FIG. 45) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0832] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 45 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene” (USPP), fragment B (1334 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (1788 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment E (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, fragment F (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator.

EXAMPLE 58

[0833] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0834] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT are combined with each other.

[0835] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 5 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT.

[0836] This plasmid (pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT/USPP-AtTATase5-nosT, FIG. 46) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0837] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 46 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1389 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (1788 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment E (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, fragment F (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator.

EXAMPLE 59

[0838] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0839] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT and pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT are combined with each other.

[0840] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette consisting of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase 6 gene and nos terminator is isolated as SmaI/EcoRI fragment from the plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, the EcoRI end is filled in with Klenow enzyme, and the construct is cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT.

[0841] This plasmid (pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT/USPP-AtTATase6-nosT, FIG. 47) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0842] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 47 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1243 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6 and fragment C (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment D (1788 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment E (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, fragment F (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator.

EXAMPLE 60

[0843] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and for the seed-specific suppression of the expression of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene

[0844] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT (see hereinbelow) and pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0845] The expression cassette consisting of LeB4 promoter, Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene and nos termination sequence is amplified by means of PCR using a sense-specific primer (LeB4-SrfI 5′: SEQ. ID. No. 54) and an antisense-specific primer (nosT-SrfI 3′ SEQ. ID. No. 53), and cloned into the vector pCR4topoblunt (Invitrogen).

[0846] The resulting plasmid is pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT

[0847] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0848] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0849] 1 μl of a puc19-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT plasmid DNA

[0850] 0.2 mM DATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP

[0851] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂

[0852] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin

[0853] 40 pmol of LeB4-SrfI 5′ primer

[0854] 40 pmol of nosT-SrfI 3′ primer

[0855] 5 μl of 10× Pfu1 DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene)

[0856] 5 U of Pfu1 DNA polymerase (Stratagene)

[0857] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0858] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing)

[0859] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.

[0860] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing)

[0861] Step 4: 10 minutes at 68° C. (elongation) 30 cycles of steps 2-4

[0862] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation)

[0863] The DNA fragment encoding the expression cassette composed of: LeB4 promoter, Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene and nos terminator is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT and cloned into the EcoRV-digested vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT.

[0864] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT, FIG. 48) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0865] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 48 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment G (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment H (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 61

[0866] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and for the seed-specific suppression of the expression of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene.

[0867] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pCR4topoblunt-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT (see below) and pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0868] The expression cassette composed of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase and ocs termination sequence 1 is amplified by means of PCR using a sense-specific primer (USPP-SrfI-5′: SEQ. ID. No. 52) and an antisense-specific primer (ocsT-SrfI-3′: SEQ. ID. No. 55) and cloned into the vector pCR4topoblunt (Invitrogen). The resulting plasmid is pCR4topoblunt-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT.

[0869] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0870] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0871] 1 μl of a pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT plasmid DNA

[0872] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP

[0873] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂

[0874] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin

[0875] 40 pmol of USPP-SrfI 5′ primer

[0876] 40 pmol of ocsT-SrfI 3′ primer

[0877] 5 μl of 10× Pfu1 DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene)

[0878] 5 U of Pfu1 DNA polymerase (Stratagene)

[0879] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0880] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing)

[0881] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.

[0882] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing)

[0883] Step 4: 10 minutes at 68° C. (elongation) 30 cycles of steps 2-4

[0884] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation)

[0885] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Arabiaopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase and ocs termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and cloned into the EcoRV-digested vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT.

[0886] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT, FIG. 49) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0887] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 49 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment G (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment H (713 bp) encodes the octopine synthase termination signal 1.

EXAMPLE 62

[0888] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and for the seed-specific suppression of the expression of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene

[0889] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pCR4topoblunt-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT (see below) and pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0890] The expression cassette composed of: USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase and ocs termination sequence is amplified by means of PCR using a sense-specific primer (USPP-SrfI-5′ SEQ. ID. No. 52) and an antisense-specific primer (ocsT-SrfI-3′ SEQ. ID. No. 55) and cloned into the vector pCR4topoblunt (Invitrogen).

[0891] The resulting plasmid is pCR4topoblunt-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT.

[0892] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0893] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0894] 1 μl of a pSUN2-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT plasmid DNA

[0895] 0.2 mM DATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP

[0896] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂

[0897] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin

[0898] 40 pmol of USPP-SrfI 5′ primer

[0899] 40 pmol of ocsT-SrfI 3′ primer

[0900] 5 μl of 10× Pfu1 DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene)

[0901] 5 U of Pfu1 DNA polymerase (Stratagene)

[0902] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0903] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing)

[0904] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.

[0905] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing)

[0906] Step 4: 10 minutes at 68° C. (elongation) 30 cycles of steps 2-4

[0907] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation)

[0908] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase and ocs termination sequence 1 is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-AtHPT-ocsT and cloned into the EcoRV-digested vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT.

[0909] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/USPP-AtHPT-ocsT, FIG. 50) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0910] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 50 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment G (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene. Fragment H (713 bp) encodes the octopine synthase gene termination signal 1.

EXAMPLE 63

[0911] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and for the seed-specific suppression of the expression of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene

[0912] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-IPP-SynMt1-nosT (see hereinbelow) and pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0913] The expression cassette composed of: LeB4 promoter, the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the A. thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2 (IPP-2), the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltranserase and nos termination sequence is amplified by means of PCR using a sense-specific primer (LeB4-SrfI-5′: SEQ. ID. No. 54) and an antisense-specific primer (nosT-SrfI-3′: SEQ. ID. No. 53) and cloned into the vector pCR4topoblunt (Invitrogen). The resulting plasmid is pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-IPP-SynMt1-nosT.

[0914] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0915] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix consisting of:

[0916] 1 μl of a pSUN2-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT plasmid DNA

[0917] 0.2 mM dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP

[0918] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂

[0919] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin

[0920] 40 pmol of LeB4-SrfI 5′ primer

[0921] 40 pmol of nosT-SrfI 3′ primer

[0922] 5 μl of 10× Pfu1 DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene)

[0923] 5 U of Pfu1 DNA polymerase (Stratagene)

[0924] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0925] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing)

[0926] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.

[0927] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing)

[0928] Step 4: 10 minutes at 68° C. (elongation) 30 cycles of steps 2-4

[0929] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation)

[0930] The DNA fragment consisting of LeB4 promoter, the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the A. thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2 (IPP-2), the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase and the nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4topoblunt/LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT and cloned into the EcoRV-digested vector pSUN2-Pvic-*nHGD-STLS1-α*nHGD-ocsT.

[0931] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*nHGD-STLS1-α*nHGD-ocsT/USPP-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT, FIG. 51) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0932] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 51 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment G (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment H (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment I (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 64

[0933] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and for the seed-specific suppression of the expression of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene

[0934] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT (see below) and pSUN27Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0935] The expression cassette composed of: LeB4 promoter, the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the Arabidopsis thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2 (IPP-2), the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase and nos termination sequence is amplified by means of PCR using a sense-specific primer (LeB4-EcoR5-5′: SEQ. ID. No. 56) and an antisense-specific primer (nosT-EcoR5-3′: SEQ. ID. No. 57) and cloned into the vector pCR4topoblunt (Invitrogen). The resulting plasmid is pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-IPP-SynMt1-nosT.

[0936] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0937] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix comprising:

[0938] 1 μl of a pSUN2-Leb4-IPP-SynCyc-nosT plasmid DNA

[0939] 0.2 mM DATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP

[0940] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂

[0941] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin

[0942] 40 pmol of LeB4-EcoR5 5′ primer

[0943] 40 pmol of nosT-EcoR5 3′ primer

[0944] 5 μl of 10× Pfu1 DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene)

[0945] 5 U of Pfu1 DNA polymerase (Stratagene)

[0946] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0947] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing)

[0948] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.

[0949] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing)

[0950] Step 4: 10 minutes at 68° C. (elongation) 30 cycles of steps 2-4

[0951] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation)

[0952] The DNA fragment consisting of LeB4 promoter, the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the Arabidopsis thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2 (IPP-2), the Synechocystis spec PCC6808 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase and the nos termination sequence is isolated as EcoR5 fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/LeB-IPP-SynCyc-nosT and cloned into the EcoR5-digested vector SUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT.

[0953] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/LeB-IPP-SynCyc-nosT, FIG. 52) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants:

[0954] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 52 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal of the octopine gene. Fragment F (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment G (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment H (1100 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6808 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene. Fragment I (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 65

[0955] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and for the seed-specific suppression of the expression of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene.

[0956] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which suppress the expression of the endogenous Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene in a seed-specific fashion, the vectors pCR4topoblunt-SBPP-γTMT-35sT (see below) and pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0957] The expression cassette consisting of: LeB4 promoter, the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the A.thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase-2 (IPP-2), the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase and the nos termination sequence is amplified by means of PCR using a sense-specific primer (SBPP-SRFI-5′: SEQ. ID. No. 58) and an antisense-specific primer (nosT-SRFI-3′ SEQ. ID. No. 53) and cloned into the vector pCR4topoblunt (Invitrogen). The resulting plasmid is pCR4topoblunt-SBPP-γTMT-35sT.

[0958] The PCR conditions were as follows:

[0959] The PCR was carried out with a 50 μl reaction mix comprising:

[0960] 1 μl of a pSUN2-SBPP-γTMT-35sT plasmid DNA

[0961] 0.2 mM DATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP

[0962] 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂

[0963] 5 μg of bovine serum albumin

[0964] 40 pmol of SBPP-SRFI 5′ primer

[0965] 40 pmol of 35sT-SRFI 3′ primer

[0966] 5 μl of 10× Pfu1 DNA polymerase buffer (Stratagene)

[0967] 5 U of Pfu1 DNA polymerase (Stratagene)

[0968] The PCR was carried out under the following cycle conditions:

[0969] Step 1: 5 minutes at 94° C. (denaturing)

[0970] Step 2: 3 seconds at 94° C.

[0971] Step 3: 1 minute at 55° C. (annealing)

[0972] Step 4: 10 minutes at 68° C. (elongation) 30 cycles of steps 2-4

[0973] Step 5: 10 minutes at 72° C. (post-elongation)

[0974] The DNA fragment consisting of LeB4 promoter, the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the A. thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2 (IPP-2), the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase and the nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/SBPP-γTMT-35sT and cloned into the EcoRV-digested vector pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT.

[0975] This plasmid (pSUN2-Pvic-*BnHGD-STLS1-α*BnHGD-ocsT/SBPP-γTMT-35sT, FIG. 53) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants:

[0976] Fragment A (2559 bp) in FIG. 53 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba vicilin gene, fragment B (580 bp) encodes a fragment of the Brassica napus homogentisate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (190 bp) encodes the intron 2 (IV2) of the Solanum tuberosum ST-LS1 gene. Fragment D is identical with fragment B, but has the opposite orientation in the vector relative to B. Fragment E (208 bp) encodes the termination signal 2 of the octopine gene. Fragment F (1788 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment G (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, fragment H (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator.

EXAMPLE 66

[0977] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0978] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-NtGGPPOR-nosT and CR4topoblunt-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0979] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene and ocs termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and cloned into the SmaI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT.

[0980] This plasmid (pSUN2LeB4-NtGGPPORnosT/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT, FIG. 54) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[0981] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 54 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene. Fragment D (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment E (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment F (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 67

[0982] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0983] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and which express the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase in a seed-specific manner, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-AtHPT-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0984] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase and ocs termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-AtHPT-ocsT and cloned into the SmaI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB-NtGGPPOR-nosT.

[0985] This plasmid (pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT/USPP-AtHPT-ocsT, FIG. 55) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants:

[0986] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 55 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisic acid phytyltransferase gene. Fragment C (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene. Fragment D (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment E (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment F (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 68

[0987] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0988] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vectors pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT35ST and pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-AtHPPDocsT are combined with each other.

[0989] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene and ocs termination sequence 1 is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and cloned into the SrfI-digested vector pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT 35ST, which is likewise previously digested with the restriction enzyme SrfI. The DNA fragment composed of LeB4 promoter, Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase and nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/LeB-SynMT1-nosT into the above-obtained plasmid pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35sT/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and cloned into the XhoI-digested vector pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT35sT/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT after the XhoI ends had been filled in.

[0990] This plasmid pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT35sT/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/LeB-SynMT1-nosT, FIG. 56) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants:

[0991] Fragment A (1788 bp) in FIG. 56 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment B (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, fragment C (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene. Fragment G (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment H (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment I (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment J (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 69

[0992] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter

[0993] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPDocsT and the vector pCR4topoblunt-LeB4-IPP-SynMT1-nosT are combined with each other.

[0994] The DNA fragment consisting of LeB4 promoter, Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase and nos termination sequence is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/LeB-SynMT1-nosT and cloned into the XhoI-digested vector pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT kloniert whose XhoI ends are filled in.

[0995] This plasmid pSUN2-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/LeB-SynMT1-nosT, FIG. 57) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants:

[0996] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 57 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene and fragment C (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene. Fragment D (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment E (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment F (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 70

[0997] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter.

[0998] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase under the control of a seed-specific promoter and the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the vectors pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT/USPP-AtHPT-ocsT and pCR4topoblunt-USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT are combined with each other.

[0999] The DNA fragment consisting of USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase and ocs termination sequence 1 is isolated as SrfI fragment from the plasmid pCR4TOPOblunt/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT and cloned into the XhoI-digested vector pSUN2-LeB4-NtGGPPOR-nosT/USPP-AtHPT-ocsT after the XhoI ends have previously been made blunt-ended with Klenow polymerase.

[1000] This plasmid (pSUN2LeB4-NtGGPPORnosT/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/USPP-AtHPT-ocsT, FIG. 58) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[1001] Fragment A (678 bp) in FIG. 58 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment B (1338 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene. Fragment C (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene. Fragment D (678 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba “unknown seed protein gene”, fragment E (1182 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene. Fragment F (713 bp) encodes the termination signal 1 of the octopine synthase gene. Fragment G (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment H (1509 bp) encodes the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene. Fragment I (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 71

[1002] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter.

[1003] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants which express the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, and the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter, the constructs pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT35ST/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/LeB-SynMT1-nosT and pCR4topoblunt/LeB-IPP-SynCyc-nosT are used.

[1004] The DNA fragment consisting of LeB4 promoter, Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase and nos termination sequence is isolated as EcoR5 fragment from the plasmid pCR4topoblunt/LeB-IPP-SynCyc-nosT and cloned into the SrfI-digested vector

[1005] pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT-35ST/USPP-AtHPPD-ocsT/LeB-SynMT1-nosT which is previously digested with the restriction enzyme SrfI. Thus, the expression cassette composed of USP promoter, Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dihydrogenase gene and ocs termination sequence is exchanged for the expression cassette composed of LeB4 promoter, the Synechocystis spec PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastochinol cyclase gene and the nos termination sequence.

[1006] This plasmid pSUN2-SBPP-AtγTMT35sT/LeB-IPP-SynCyc-nosT/LeB-IPP-SynMT1-nosT, FIG. 59) is used for generating transgenic Brassica napus plants.

[1007] Fragment A (1788 bp) in FIG. 59 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba SBP gene, fragment B (1047 bp) encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene, fragment C (291 bp) encodes the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S terminator. Fragment D (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment E (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment F (1100 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene. Fragment G (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene. Fragment H (2764 bp) comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment I (235 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment J (957 bp) encodes the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene. Fragment K (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 72

[1008] Generation of DNA constructs for expressing the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase under the control of a seed-specific promoter.

[1009] To prepare chimeric DNA constructs for generating transgenic A. thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum and B. napus plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase (Seq. ID. No. 1) under the control of a seed-specific promoter, a derivative of the vector pGPTVkan (D.Becker, E. Kemper, J. Schell, R. Masterson. Plant Molecular Biology 20: 1195-1197, 1992) was used.

[1010] This vector was modified in such a way that it contains the seed-specific promoter of the legumin B4 gene (Kafatos et al., Nuc. Acid. Res.,14(6):2707-2720, 1986), the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the A. thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2 (IPP-2) (Badur, unpublished) and the termination signal of the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase (Depikker et al., J. Mol. Appl. Genet. 1, 561-73, 1982).

[1011] The DNA fragment encoding the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene was cloned as EcoR5 fragment into the vector pPTVKan-LeP-IPPTP11 after the latter had been digested with the restriction enzyme Sa1I, and the ends of the linearized plasmid had been made blunt-ended with Klenow enzyme. This generated a translational fusion with the IPP-2 transit peptide and thus ensures the import of tyrosine aminotransferase into the plastids. This plasmid pPTVkan-IPPTP11-TATaseRNnos (also termed pPTVkan-LeB4-IPP-RnTATase-nosT, FIG. 60) was used for generating transgenic Brassica napus and A. thaliana plants.

[1012] Fragment A (2764 bp) in FIG. 60 comprises the promoter of the Vicia faba legumin B4 gene, fragment B (207bp) encodes the transit peptide of the A. thaliana isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2. Fragment C (1377 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Fragment D (272 bp) encodes the termination signal of the nopaline synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 73 Generation of Expression Cassettes Comprising the Rattus norvegicus Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene

[1013] Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana plants which express the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase (Seq. ID. No. 1) under the control of the constitutive CaMV (cauliflower mosaic virus) 35S promoter were generated (Franck et al., Cell 21: 285-294, 1980).

[1014] The basis of the plasmid generated for the constitutive expression of the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase 1 was pBinAR-IPP-Tp-10 (Ralf Badur, PhD thesis, University of Gottingen, 1998). This vector is a derivative of pBinAR (Höfgen and Willmitzer, Plant Sci. 66: 221-230, 1990) and comprises the CaMV (cauliflower mosaic virus) 35S promoter (Franck et al., 1980), the termination signal of the octopine synthase gene (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3: 835-846, 1984) and the sequence encoding the transit peptide of the A. thaliana plastid-specific isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2 (IPP-2) (Badur, unpublished). Cloning the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase into this vector, taking into consideration the correct reading frame, gives rise to a translational fusion of tyrosine aminotransferase with the plastid transit peptide. Thus, the transgene is transported into the plastids.

[1015] To generate this plasmid, the tyrosine aminotransferase gene was isolated from the plasmid pGEM-T/tyrosine aminotransferase using the flanking EcoRV restriction cleavage sites. This fragment was ligated into an SmaI-cut pBinAR-IPP-Tp-10, using standard methods (see FIG. 61). This plasmid pBinAR-IPP-Tp-10/tyrosine aminotransferase (alternatively also termed pBinAr-35sP-IPP-RnTATase-nosT) was used for generating transgenic Nicotiana tabacum and A. thaliana plants.

[1016] Fragment A (529 bp) in FIG. 61 comprises the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (nucleotides 6909 to 7437 of the cauliflower mosaic virus), fragment B (207 bp) encodes the transit peptide of the isopentenyl-pyrophosphate isomerase 2, fragment C (1377 bp) encodes the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1, fragment D (208 bp) encodes the termination signal of the octopine synthase gene.

EXAMPLE 74 Generation of Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana Plants

[1017] Wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana plants (Columbia) are transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain (GV3101 [pMP90]) based on a modified vacuum infiltration method (Steve Clough and Andrew Bent. Floral dip: a simplified method for Agrobacterium mediated transformation of A. thaliana. Plant J 16(6):735-43, 1998; Bechtold, N. Ellis, J. and Pelltier, G., in: Planta Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer by infiltration of adult Arabidopsis thaliana plants. CRAcad Sci Paris, 1993, 1144(2) :204-212). The Agrobacterium tumefaciens cells used are previously transformed with the above-described DNA constructs.

[1018] Seeds of the primary transformants are selected on the basis of their resistance to antibiotics. Seedlings which are resistant to antibiotics were transplanted into soil and used for biochemical analysis for fully-developed plants.

EXAMPLE 75 Generation of Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum Plants

[1019] Ten ml of YEB medium supplemented with antibiotic (5 g/l beef extract, 1 g/l yeast extract, 5 g/l peptone, 5 g/l sucrose and 2 mM MgSO₄) are inoculated with a colony of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and the culture was grown overnight at 28° C. The cells were pelleted for 20 minutes at 4° C., 3500 rpm, using a bench-top centrifuge and then resuspended under sterile conditions in fresh YEB medium without antibiotics. The cell suspension is used for the transformation.

[1020] The sterile-grown wild-type plants are obtained by vegetative propagation. To this end, only the tip of the plant is cut off and transferred to fresh 2 MS medium in a sterile preserving jar. As regards the rest of the plant, the hairs on the upper side of the leaves and the central veins of the leaves are removed. Using a razor blade, the leaves are cut into sections of approximate size 1 cm². The agrobacterial culture is transferred into a small Petri dish (diameter 2 cm). The leaf sections are briefly drawn through this solution and placed with the underside of the leaf on 2 MS medium in Petri dishes (diameter 9 cm) in such a way that they touch the medium. After two days in the dark at 25° C., the explants are transferred to plates with callus induction medium and warmed to 28° C. in the controlled-environment cabinet. The medium needs to be changed every 7 to 10 days. As soon as calli form, the explants are transferred into sterile preserving jars onto shoot induction medium supplemented with Claforan (0.6% BiTec agar (w/v), 2.0 mg/l zeatin ribose, 0.02 mg/l naphthylacetic acid, 0.02 mg/l gibberellic acid, 0.25 g/ml claforan, 1.6% glucose (w/v) and 50 mg/l Kanamycin). Organogenesis starts after approximately one month and it is possible to cut off the shoots which had formed. The shoots are grown on 2 MS medium supplemented with Claforan and selection marker. As soon as a substantial root ball has developed, it is possible to put up the plants in seed compost.

EXAMPLE 76 Generation of Transgenic Brassica napus Plants

[1021] Transgenic oilseed rape plants were generated approximately as described by Bade, J. B. and Damm,B. (in Gene Transfer to Plants, Potrykus, I. and Spangenberg, G., eds, Springer Lab Manual, Springer Verlag, 1995, 30-38), which also specifies the composition of the media and buffers used.

[1022] The transformations are effected with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 [pMP90]. The DNA construct which confers specific expression in the seed is used for the transformation (FIG. 60). Additionally used constructs are those which confer specific expression in seeds and which are described in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59. Seeds of Brassica napus var. Westar are surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol (v/v), washed in water for 10 minutes at 55° C., incubated in 1% strength hypochlorite solution (25% v/v Teepol,0.1% v/v Tween 20) for 20 minutes and washed six times with sterile water for in each case 20 minutes. The seeds are dried for three days on filter paper, and 10-15 seeds are germinated in a glass flask containing 15 ml of germination medium. The roots and apices are excised from several seedlings (approximate size 10 cm), and the hypocotyls which remain are cut into segments approx. 6 mm in length. The approximately 600 explants thus obtained are washed for 30 minutes with 50 ml of basal medium and transferred into a 300 ml flask. After addition of 100 ml of callus induction medium, the cultures are incubated for 24 hours at 100 rpm.

[1023] An overnight culture of the agrobacterial strain is set up at 29° C. in Luria broth medium supplemented with kanamycin (20 mg/i), and 2 ml of this are incubated for 4 hours in 50 ml of Luria broth medium without kanamycin for 4 hours at 29° C. to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.4-0.5. After the culture has been pelleted for 25 minutes at 2000 rpm, the cell pellet is resuspended in 25 ml of basal medium. The bacterial concentration in the solution is brought to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.3 by addition of further basal medium.

[1024] The callus induction medium is removed from the oilseed rape explants using sterile pipettes, 50 ml of agrobacterial solution are added, and the mixture is mixed carefully and incubated for 20 minutes. The agrobacterial suspension is removed, the oilseed rape explants are washed for 1 minute with 50 ml of callus induction medium, and 100 ml of callus induction medium are subsequently added. The material is cocultured for 24 hours on an orbital shaker at 100 rpm. Coculturing is stopped by removing the callus induction medium, and the explants are washed twice for in each case 1 minute with 25 ml and twice for 60 minutes with in each case 100 ml of wash medium at 100 rpm. The wash medium together with the explants is transferred to 15 cm Petri dishes, and the medium is removed using sterile pipettes.

[1025] For the regeneration, batches of 20-30 explants are transferred into 90 mm Petri dishes containing 25 ml of shoot induction medium supplemented with kanamycin. The Petri dishes are sealed with 2 layers of Leukopor and incubated at 25° C. and 2000 Lux at 8-hour-darkness photoperiods. Every 12 days, the developing calli are transferred to fresh Petri dishes containing shoot induction medium. All further steps for regenerating intact plants were carried out as described by Bade, J. B and Damm, B. (in: Gene Transfer to Plants, Potrykus, I. and Spangenberg, G., eds, Springer Lab Manual, Springer Verlag, 1995, 30-38).

EXAMPLE 77 a) Characterization of the Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum Plants

[1026] The tocopherol and tocotrienol contents in the leaves and seeds of the plants transformed with the above-described constructs (Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum) are analyzed. To this end, the transgenic plants are grown in the greenhouse, and plants which express the gene encoding the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase 1 are analyzed at Northern level. The tocopherol content and the tocotrienol content in the leaves and seeds of these plants are determined.

[1027] To this end, the leaf material of plants is frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately after sampling. The subsequent disruption of the cells is effected by means of a stirring apparatus by three incubations in an Eppendorf shaker at 30° C., 1000 rpm, in 100% methanol, for 15 minutes, the supernatants obtained in each case being combined.

[1028] Further incubation steps revealed no further release of tocopherols or tocotrienols.

[1029] To avoid oxidation, the extracts obtained were analyzed directly after the extraction with the aid of an HPLC system (Waters Allience 2690). Tocopherols and tocotrienols were separated using a reverse-phase column (ProntoSil 200-3-C30^((R)), Bischoff) using a mobile phase of 100% methanol, and identified with the aid of standards (Merck). The detection system used was the fluorescence of the substances (excitation 295 nm, emission 320 nm), which was detected with the aid of a Jasco FP 920 fluorescence detector.

[1030] In all cases, the tocopherol and/or tocotrienol concentration in transgenic plants was increased in comparison with untransformed plants.

b) Characterization of the Transgenic Brassica napus Plants

[1031] To illustrate that the vitamin E content in plants is increased by expressing the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase gene, the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 1, the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 3, the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 5 or the Arabidopsis thaliana tyrosine aminotransferase gene 6, alone or in combination with at least one further gene selected from the group consisting of the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene, the Arabidopsis thaliana homogentisate phytyltransferase gene, the Nicotiana tabacum geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase gene, the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase gene, the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylplastoquinol cyclase gene, the Arabidopsis thaliana γ-tocopherol methyltransferase gene and the suppression of the expression of the homogentisate dioxygenase gene, the tocopherol and tocotrienol contents in the seeds of the plants (Brassica napus) transformed with the above-described constructs are analyzed.

[1032] To this end, the transgenic plants are grown in the greenhouse and analyzed at the Northern level. The tocopherol content and the tocotrienol content in the seeds of these plants are determined analogously to Example 77 a).

EXAMPLE 78 Generation of Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana Plants which Overexpress Tyrosine Aminotransferase

[1033] Wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana plants (Columbia) were transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain (GV3101 [pMP90]) based on a modified vacuum infiltration method (Steve Clough and Andrew Bent. Floral dip: a simplified method for Agrobacterium mediated transformation of A.thaliana. Plant J 16(6):735-43, 1998; Bechtold, N. Ellis, J. and Pelltier, G., in: Planta Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer by infiltration of adult Arabidopsis thaliana plants. CRAcad Sci Paris, 1993, 1144(2):204-212).

[1034] The Agrobacterium tumefaciens cells used had previously been transformed with the plasmids pBinAR-35s-IPP-RnTATase-nosT (Example 73, FIG. 61) and pPTVkan-LeB4-IPP-RnTATase-nosT (Example 72, FIG. 60) following the method described by R. HÖFGEN and L. WILLMITZER (Plant Sci. 1990, 66, 221-230 and Nucleic Acids Res. 1988, Oct 25, 16(20), 9877).

[1035] Seeds of the primary transformants were selected on the basis of their resistance to antibiotics. Seedlings which are resistant to antibiotics were transplanted into soil and used for biochemical analysis as fully-developed plants.

EXAMPLE 79 Generation of Transgenic Brassica napus Plants which Overexpress Tyrosine Aminotransferase

[1036] Transgenic oilseed rape plants were generated approximately as described by Bade, J. B. and Damm,B. (in Gene Transfer to Plants, Potrykus, I. and Spangenberg, G., eds, Springer Lab Manual, Springer Verlag, 1995, 30-38), which also specifies the composition of the media and buffers used.

[1037] The transformations are effected with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 [pMP90]. The Agrobacterium tumefaciens cells used had previously been transformed with the plasmid pPTVkan-LeB4-IPP-RnTATase-nosT (Example 72, FIG. 60) in accordance with the method described by R. HÖFGEN and L. WILLMITZER (Plant Sci. 1990, 66, 221-230 and Nucleic Acids Res. 1988, Oct 25, 16(20), 9877).

[1038] Seeds of Brassica napus var. Westar are surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol (v/v), washed in water for 10 minutes at 55° C., incubated in 1% strength hypochlorite solution (25% v/v Teepol, 0.1% v/v Tween 20) for 20 minutes and washed six times with sterile water for in each case 20 minutes. The seeds were dried for three days on filter paper, and 10-15 seeds are germinated in a glass flask containing 15 ml of germination medium. The roots and apices are excised from several seedlings (approximate size 10 cm), and the hypocotyls which remain are cut into segments approx. 6 mm in length. The approximately 600 explants thus obtained were washed for 30 minutes with 50 ml of basal medium and transferred into a 300 ml flask. After addition of 100 ml of callus induction medium, the cultures were incubated for 24 hours at 100 rpm.

[1039] An overnight culture of the agrobacterial strain is set up at 29° C. in Luria broth medium supplemented with kanamycin (20 mg/l), and 2 ml of this are incubated in 50 ml of Luria broth medium without kanamycin for 4 hours at 29° C. to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.4-0.5. After the culture has been pelleted for 25 minutes at 2000 rpm, the cell pellet was resuspended in 25 ml of basal medium. The bacterial concentration in the solution was brought to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.3 by addition of further basal medium.

[1040] The callus induction medium was removed from the oilseed rape explants using sterile pipettes, 50 ml of agrobacterial solution were added, and the mixture was mixed carefully and incubated for 20 minutes. The agrobacterial suspension was removed, the oilseed rape explants were washed for 1 minutes to 50 ml of callus induction medium, and 100 ml of callus induction medium were subsequently added. The material was cocultured for 24 hours on an orbital shaker at 100 rpm. Coculturing was stopped by removing the callus induction medium, and the explants were washed twice for in each case 1 minute with 25 ml and twice for 60 minutes with in each case 100 ml of wash medium at 100 rpm. The wash medium together with the explants was transferred to 15 cm Petri dishes, and the medium was removed using sterile pipettes.

[1041] For the regeneration, batches of 20-30 explants were transferred into 90 mm Petri dishes containing 25 ml of shoot induction medium supplemented with kanamycin. The Petri dishes were sealed with 2 layers of Leukopor and incubated at 25° C. and 2000 Lux at 8-hour-darkness photoperiods. Every 12 days, the developing calli were transferred to fresh Petri dishes containing shoot induction medium. All further steps for regenerating intact plants were carried out as described by Bade, J. B and Damm, B. (in: Gene Transfer to Plants, Potrykus, I. and Spangenberg, G., eds, Springer Lab Manual, Springer Verlag, 1995, 30-38).

EXAMPLE 80 Generation of Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum Plants which Overexpress Tyrosine Aminotransferase

[1042] Ten ml of YEB medium supplemented with antibiotic (5 g/l beef extract, 1 g/l yeast extract, 5 g/l peptone, 5 g/l sucrose and 2 mM MgSO₄) were inoculated with a colony of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and the culture was grown overnight at 28° C. The cells were pelleted for 20 minutes at 4° C., 3500 rpm, using a bench-top centrifuge and then resuspended under sterile conditions in fresh YEB medium without antibiotics. The cell suspension was used for the transformation.

[1043] The Agrobacterium tumefaciens cells used had previously been transformed with the plasmid pBinAR-35s-IPP-RnTATase-nosT (Example 73, FIG. 61) in accordance with the method described by R. HÖFGEN and L. WILLMITZER (Plant Sci. 1990, 66, 221-230 and Nucleic Acids Res. 1988, Oct. 25, 16(20), 9877).

[1044] The sterile-grown wild-type plants were obtained by vegetative propagation. To this end, only the tip of the plant was cut off and transferred to fresh 2 MS medium in a sterile preserving jar. As regards the rest of the plant, the hairs on the upper side of the leaves and the central veins of the leaves were removed. Using a razor blade, the leaves were cut into sections of approximate size 1 cm². The agrobacterial culture was transferred into a small Petri dish (diameter 2 cm). The leaf sections were briefly drawn through this solution and placed with the underside of the leaf on 2 MS medium in Petri dishes (diameter 9 cm) in such a way that they touched the medium.

[1045] After two days in the dark at 25° C., the explants were transferred to plates with callus induction medium and warmed to 28° C. in a controlled-environment cabinet. The medium needed changing every 7-10 days. As soon as calli formed, the explants were transferred into sterile preserving jars containing shoot induction medium supplemented with Claforan (0.6% BiTec-Agar (w/v), 2.0 mg/l zeatin ribose, 0.02 mg/l naphthylacetic acid, 0.02 mg/l gibberelic acid, 0.25 g/ml Claforan, 1.6% glucose (w/v) and 50 mg/l kanamycin). After approximately one month, organogenesis took place, and the shoots formed could be cut off.

[1046] The shoots were grown on 2 MS medium supplemented with Claforan and selection marker. As soon as a substantial root ball developed, the plants could be potted up in seed compost.

EXAMPLE 81 Characterization of the Transgenic Plants of Examples 78, 79 and 80

[1047] The tocopherol and tocotrienol contents in the leaves and seeds of the plants transformed with the above-described constructs, of Examples 78, 79 and 80 (Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica napus and Nicotiana tabacum) are analyzed. To this end, the transgenic plants were grown in the greenhouse, and the plants which express the gene encoding the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase are analyzed at Northern level. The tocopherol content and the tocotrienol content in the leaves and seeds of these plants were determined.

[1048] To this end, the leaf material of plants is frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately after sampling. The subsequent disruption of the cells is effected by means of a stirring apparatus by three incubations in an Eppendorf shaker at 30° C., 1000 rpm in 100% methanol, for 15 minutes, the supernatants obtained in each case being combined.

[1049] Further incubation steps revealed no further release of tocopherols or tocotrienols.

[1050] To avoid oxidation, the extracts obtained were analyzed directly after the extraction with the aid of an HPLC system (Waters Allience 2690). Tocopherols and tocotrienols were separated using a reverse-phase column (ProntoSil 200-3-C30^((R)), Bischoff) using a mobile phase of 100% methanol, and identified with the aid of standards (Merck). The detection system used was the fluorescence of the substances (excitation 295 nm, emission 320 nm), which was detected with the aid of a Jasco FP 920 fluorescence detector.

[1051] Table 1 shows the result of the overexpression of the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase in 16 lines (lines 1 to 24) of the transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants, generated in accordance with Example 80, in comparison with the wild type (WT, 4 replications). The second column shows the vitamin E content (total content=,sum of all 8 isomers) in young leaf material in [μg/g FW]. The third column shows the tocotrienol content of the line in question of the total vitamin E content in [% by weight]. TABLE 1 Line of the trans- Tocotrienol content genic Nicotiana Total vitamin E in [% by weight] tabacum plants of content in based on the total Example 80 [μg/g FW] content 1 9.13 48.5 2 2.95 4.6 3 5.94 49.5 4 7.24 5.8 6 5.97 7.6 7 8.02 6.4 9 16.26 53.1 10 8.95 41.3 11 13.28 51.6 16 8.96 42.9 17 3.99 3.2 18 10.58 51.7 19 7.57 41.3 24 14.76 56.7 WT n = 4 5.4 +/− 0.5 4.75 +/− 2.4

[1052]FIG. 63 is a graphic representation of the result of the overexpression of the Rattus norvegicus tyrosine aminotransferase in Nicotiana tabacum (Example 80) in comparison with the wild type. The data shown are the vitamin E contents (sum of all 8 isomers) in young leaf material. The description of the axes indicates the individual transgenic lines. The data shown for the wild-type plants (wt) corresponds to the mean ± SD of 4 replications.

1 58 1 1377 DNA Rattus norvegicus CDS (1)..(1371) 1 gat atc atg gac tcc tac gtg att cag acg gat gtc gac gac agc ttg 48 Asp Ile Met Asp Ser Tyr Val Ile Gln Thr Asp Val Asp Asp Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 tcc tca gtt ctg gat gtg cat gtc aat att ggt ggg aga aac tcg gta 96 Ser Ser Val Leu Asp Val His Val Asn Ile Gly Gly Arg Asn Ser Val 20 25 30 caa gga aga aag aaa ggc agg aag gcc aga tgg gac gtg aga ccc tct 144 Gln Gly Arg Lys Lys Gly Arg Lys Ala Arg Trp Asp Val Arg Pro Ser 35 40 45 gac atg tcc aat aag acc ttc aat ccc atc cga gcc atc gtg gac aac 192 Asp Met Ser Asn Lys Thr Phe Asn Pro Ile Arg Ala Ile Val Asp Asn 50 55 60 atg aag gtg cag ccc aat ccg aac aag acc gtg att tct ctg tca att 240 Met Lys Val Gln Pro Asn Pro Asn Lys Thr Val Ile Ser Leu Ser Ile 65 70 75 80 ggg gac cct act gtg ttt ggg aac ctg cct aca gac cct gaa gtt acc 288 Gly Asp Pro Thr Val Phe Gly Asn Leu Pro Thr Asp Pro Glu Val Thr 85 90 95 caa gcc atg aaa gat gcc ctg gac tcg ggg aag tac aat ggc tat gcc 336 Gln Ala Met Lys Asp Ala Leu Asp Ser Gly Lys Tyr Asn Gly Tyr Ala 100 105 110 ccg tcc atc ggc tac cta tcc agt cgg gag gag gtc gct tct tac tac 384 Pro Ser Ile Gly Tyr Leu Ser Ser Arg Glu Glu Val Ala Ser Tyr Tyr 115 120 125 cac tgt cat gag gct cct ctg gaa gct aag gat gtc att ctg aca agc 432 His Cys His Glu Ala Pro Leu Glu Ala Lys Asp Val Ile Leu Thr Ser 130 135 140 ggc tgc agt cag gcc att gag cta tgt cta gct gtg ttg gcc aat cct 480 Gly Cys Ser Gln Ala Ile Glu Leu Cys Leu Ala Val Leu Ala Asn Pro 145 150 155 160 gga caa aac atc ctc att cca agg ccc ggg ttt tcc ctc tat agg act 528 Gly Gln Asn Ile Leu Ile Pro Arg Pro Gly Phe Ser Leu Tyr Arg Thr 165 170 175 ttg gct gag tct atg gga att gag gtc aag ctc tac aat ctc ctg cct 576 Leu Ala Glu Ser Met Gly Ile Glu Val Lys Leu Tyr Asn Leu Leu Pro 180 185 190 gag aag tct tgg gaa att gac cta aaa caa ctg gaa tct ctg atc gat 624 Glu Lys Ser Trp Glu Ile Asp Leu Lys Gln Leu Glu Ser Leu Ile Asp 195 200 205 gaa aaa aca gcg tgt ctt gtt gtc aac aac cca tcc aat ccc tgt ggc 672 Glu Lys Thr Ala Cys Leu Val Val Asn Asn Pro Ser Asn Pro Cys Gly 210 215 220 tcc gtg ttc agt aag cga cac ctt cag aag att ttg gca gtg gct gaa 720 Ser Val Phe Ser Lys Arg His Leu Gln Lys Ile Leu Ala Val Ala Glu 225 230 235 240 agg cag tgt gtc ccc atc tta gct gac gag atc tat ggt gac atg gtg 768 Arg Gln Cys Val Pro Ile Leu Ala Asp Glu Ile Tyr Gly Asp Met Val 245 250 255 ttt tca gat tgc aaa tac gaa cca ctg gcc aac ctc agc acc aat gtt 816 Phe Ser Asp Cys Lys Tyr Glu Pro Leu Ala Asn Leu Ser Thr Asn Val 260 265 270 ccc atc ctg tcc tgt ggt ggg ctg gcc aag cgc tgg ctg gtt cct ggc 864 Pro Ile Leu Ser Cys Gly Gly Leu Ala Lys Arg Trp Leu Val Pro Gly 275 280 285 tgg agg ttg ggc tgg atc ctc att cat gat cga aga gac att ttt ggc 912 Trp Arg Leu Gly Trp Ile Leu Ile His Asp Arg Arg Asp Ile Phe Gly 290 295 300 aat gag att cga gac ggg ctg gtg aaa ctg agt cag cgg atc ctg gga 960 Asn Glu Ile Arg Asp Gly Leu Val Lys Leu Ser Gln Arg Ile Leu Gly 305 310 315 320 cca tgc acc ata gtc cag ggt gct ctg aag agc atc ctt cag cga acc 1008 Pro Cys Thr Ile Val Gln Gly Ala Leu Lys Ser Ile Leu Gln Arg Thr 325 330 335 cct cag gag ttc tat cac gac acg tta agc ttc ctc aag tcc aat gcg 1056 Pro Gln Glu Phe Tyr His Asp Thr Leu Ser Phe Leu Lys Ser Asn Ala 340 345 350 gac ctc tgc tat ggg gca ctg gct gcc atc cct gga ctc cag ccg gtc 1104 Asp Leu Cys Tyr Gly Ala Leu Ala Ala Ile Pro Gly Leu Gln Pro Val 355 360 365 cgc cct tct gga gcc atg tac ctt atg gtg gga att gag atg gag cat 1152 Arg Pro Ser Gly Ala Met Tyr Leu Met Val Gly Ile Glu Met Glu His 370 375 380 ttc ccg gaa ttc gag aac gac gtg gag ttc aca gag cgg ttg att gcg 1200 Phe Pro Glu Phe Glu Asn Asp Val Glu Phe Thr Glu Arg Leu Ile Ala 385 390 395 400 gag cag gct gtc cac tgt ctc cca gca acg tgc ttc gag tac cca aat 1248 Glu Gln Ala Val His Cys Leu Pro Ala Thr Cys Phe Glu Tyr Pro Asn 405 410 415 ttc ttc cga gtg gtc atc aca gtc ccc gag gtg atg atg ctg gag gct 1296 Phe Phe Arg Val Val Ile Thr Val Pro Glu Val Met Met Leu Glu Ala 420 425 430 tgt agc cgg atc cag gag ttc tgt gaa cag cac tac cac tgt gct gaa 1344 Cys Ser Arg Ile Gln Glu Phe Cys Glu Gln His Tyr His Cys Ala Glu 435 440 445 ggc agc cag gag gag tgt gac aaa taa gatatc 1377 Gly Ser Gln Glu Glu Cys Asp Lys 450 455 2 456 PRT Rattus norvegicus 2 Asp Ile Met Asp Ser Tyr Val Ile Gln Thr Asp Val Asp Asp Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 Ser Ser Val Leu Asp Val His Val Asn Ile Gly Gly Arg Asn Ser Val 20 25 30 Gln Gly Arg Lys Lys Gly Arg Lys Ala Arg Trp Asp Val Arg Pro Ser 35 40 45 Asp Met Ser Asn Lys Thr Phe Asn Pro Ile Arg Ala Ile Val Asp Asn 50 55 60 Met Lys Val Gln Pro Asn Pro Asn Lys Thr Val Ile Ser Leu Ser Ile 65 70 75 80 Gly Asp Pro Thr Val Phe Gly Asn Leu Pro Thr Asp Pro Glu Val Thr 85 90 95 Gln Ala Met Lys Asp Ala Leu Asp Ser Gly Lys Tyr Asn Gly Tyr Ala 100 105 110 Pro Ser Ile Gly Tyr Leu Ser Ser Arg Glu Glu Val Ala Ser Tyr Tyr 115 120 125 His Cys His Glu Ala Pro Leu Glu Ala Lys Asp Val Ile Leu Thr Ser 130 135 140 Gly Cys Ser Gln Ala Ile Glu Leu Cys Leu Ala Val Leu Ala Asn Pro 145 150 155 160 Gly Gln Asn Ile Leu Ile Pro Arg Pro Gly Phe Ser Leu Tyr Arg Thr 165 170 175 Leu Ala Glu Ser Met Gly Ile Glu Val Lys Leu Tyr Asn Leu Leu Pro 180 185 190 Glu Lys Ser Trp Glu Ile Asp Leu Lys Gln Leu Glu Ser Leu Ile Asp 195 200 205 Glu Lys Thr Ala Cys Leu Val Val Asn Asn Pro Ser Asn Pro Cys Gly 210 215 220 Ser Val Phe Ser Lys Arg His Leu Gln Lys Ile Leu Ala Val Ala Glu 225 230 235 240 Arg Gln Cys Val Pro Ile Leu Ala Asp Glu Ile Tyr Gly Asp Met Val 245 250 255 Phe Ser Asp Cys Lys Tyr Glu Pro Leu Ala Asn Leu Ser Thr Asn Val 260 265 270 Pro Ile Leu Ser Cys Gly Gly Leu Ala Lys Arg Trp Leu Val Pro Gly 275 280 285 Trp Arg Leu Gly Trp Ile Leu Ile His Asp Arg Arg Asp Ile Phe Gly 290 295 300 Asn Glu Ile Arg Asp Gly Leu Val Lys Leu Ser Gln Arg Ile Leu Gly 305 310 315 320 Pro Cys Thr Ile Val Gln Gly Ala Leu Lys Ser Ile Leu Gln Arg Thr 325 330 335 Pro Gln Glu Phe Tyr His Asp Thr Leu Ser Phe Leu Lys Ser Asn Ala 340 345 350 Asp Leu Cys Tyr Gly Ala Leu Ala Ala Ile Pro Gly Leu Gln Pro Val 355 360 365 Arg Pro Ser Gly Ala Met Tyr Leu Met Val Gly Ile Glu Met Glu His 370 375 380 Phe Pro Glu Phe Glu Asn Asp Val Glu Phe Thr Glu Arg Leu Ile Ala 385 390 395 400 Glu Gln Ala Val His Cys Leu Pro Ala Thr Cys Phe Glu Tyr Pro Asn 405 410 415 Phe Phe Arg Val Val Ile Thr Val Pro Glu Val Met Met Leu Glu Ala 420 425 430 Cys Ser Arg Ile Gln Glu Phe Cys Glu Gln His Tyr His Cys Ala Glu 435 440 445 Gly Ser Gln Glu Glu Cys Asp Lys 450 455 3 1365 DNA Rattus norvegicus CDS (1)..(1365) 3 atg gac tcc tac gtg att cag acg gat gtc gac gac agc ttg tcc tca 48 Met Asp Ser Tyr Val Ile Gln Thr Asp Val Asp Asp Ser Leu Ser Ser 1 5 10 15 gtt ctg gat gtg cgt gtc aat gtt ggt ggg aga aac tcg gta caa gga 96 Val Leu Asp Val Arg Val Asn Val Gly Gly Arg Asn Ser Val Gln Gly 20 25 30 aga aag aaa ggc agg aag gcc aga tgg gac gtg aga ccc tct gac atg 144 Arg Lys Lys Gly Arg Lys Ala Arg Trp Asp Val Arg Pro Ser Asp Met 35 40 45 tcc aat aag acc ttc aat ccc atc cga gcc atc gtg gac aac atg aag 192 Ser Asn Lys Thr Phe Asn Pro Ile Arg Ala Ile Val Asp Asn Met Lys 50 55 60 gtg cag ccc aat ccg aac aag acc gtg att tct ctg tca att ggg gac 240 Val Gln Pro Asn Pro Asn Lys Thr Val Ile Ser Leu Ser Ile Gly Asp 65 70 75 80 cct act gtg ttt ggg aac ctg cct aca gac cct gaa gtt acc caa gcc 288 Pro Thr Val Phe Gly Asn Leu Pro Thr Asp Pro Glu Val Thr Gln Ala 85 90 95 atg aaa gat gcc ctg gac tcg ggg aag tac aat ggc tat gcc ccg tcc 336 Met Lys Asp Ala Leu Asp Ser Gly Lys Tyr Asn Gly Tyr Ala Pro Ser 100 105 110 atc ggc tac cta tcc agt cgg gag gag gtc gct tct tac tac cac tgt 384 Ile Gly Tyr Leu Ser Ser Arg Glu Glu Val Ala Ser Tyr Tyr His Cys 115 120 125 cat gag gct cct ctg gaa gct aag gat gtc att ctg aca agc ggc tgc 432 His Glu Ala Pro Leu Glu Ala Lys Asp Val Ile Leu Thr Ser Gly Cys 130 135 140 agt cag gcc att gag cta tgt cta gct gtg ttg gcc aat cct gga caa 480 Ser Gln Ala Ile Glu Leu Cys Leu Ala Val Leu Ala Asn Pro Gly Gln 145 150 155 160 aac atc ctc att cca agg ccc ggg ttt tcc ctc tat agg act ttg gct 528 Asn Ile Leu Ile Pro Arg Pro Gly Phe Ser Leu Tyr Arg Thr Leu Ala 165 170 175 gag tct atg gga att gag gtc aag ctc tac aat ctc ctg ccc gag aag 576 Glu Ser Met Gly Ile Glu Val Lys Leu Tyr Asn Leu Leu Pro Glu Lys 180 185 190 tct tgg gaa att gac cta aaa caa ctg gaa tct ctg atc gat gaa aaa 624 Ser Trp Glu Ile Asp Leu Lys Gln Leu Glu Ser Leu Ile Asp Glu Lys 195 200 205 aca gcg tgt ctt gtt gtc aac aac cca tcc aat ccc tgt ggc tcc gtg 672 Thr Ala Cys Leu Val Val Asn Asn Pro Ser Asn Pro Cys Gly Ser Val 210 215 220 ttc agt aag cgg cac ctt cag aag att ttg gca gtg gct gaa agg cag 720 Phe Ser Lys Arg His Leu Gln Lys Ile Leu Ala Val Ala Glu Arg Gln 225 230 235 240 tgt gtc ccc atc tta gct gac gag atc tat ggt gac atg gtg ttt tca 768 Cys Val Pro Ile Leu Ala Asp Glu Ile Tyr Gly Asp Met Val Phe Ser 245 250 255 gac tgc aaa tac gaa cca ctg gcc aac ctc agc acc aat gtt ccc atc 816 Asp Cys Lys Tyr Glu Pro Leu Ala Asn Leu Ser Thr Asn Val Pro Ile 260 265 270 ctg tcc tgt ggt ggg ctg gcc aag cgc tgg ctg gtt cct ggc tgg agg 864 Leu Ser Cys Gly Gly Leu Ala Lys Arg Trp Leu Val Pro Gly Trp Arg 275 280 285 ttg ggc tgg atc ctc att cat gat cga aga gac att ttt ggc aat gag 912 Leu Gly Trp Ile Leu Ile His Asp Arg Arg Asp Ile Phe Gly Asn Glu 290 295 300 att cga gac ggg ctg gtg aaa ctg agt cag cgg atc ctg gga cca tgc 960 Ile Arg Asp Gly Leu Val Lys Leu Ser Gln Arg Ile Leu Gly Pro Cys 305 310 315 320 acc ata gtc cag ggt gct ctg aag agc atc ctt cag cga acc cct cag 1008 Thr Ile Val Gln Gly Ala Leu Lys Ser Ile Leu Gln Arg Thr Pro Gln 325 330 335 gag ttc tat cac gac acg tta agc ttc ctc aag tcc aat gcg gac ctc 1056 Glu Phe Tyr His Asp Thr Leu Ser Phe Leu Lys Ser Asn Ala Asp Leu 340 345 350 tgc tat ggg gca ctg gct gcc atc cct gga ctc cag ccg gtc cgc cct 1104 Cys Tyr Gly Ala Leu Ala Ala Ile Pro Gly Leu Gln Pro Val Arg Pro 355 360 365 tct gga gcc atg tac ctt atg gtg gga att gag atg gag cat ctc ccg 1152 Ser Gly Ala Met Tyr Leu Met Val Gly Ile Glu Met Glu His Leu Pro 370 375 380 gaa ttc gag aac gac gtg gag ttc aca gag cgg ttg att gcg gag cag 1200 Glu Phe Glu Asn Asp Val Glu Phe Thr Glu Arg Leu Ile Ala Glu Gln 385 390 395 400 gct gtc cac tgt ctc cca gca acg tgc ttc gag tac cca aat ttc ttc 1248 Ala Val His Cys Leu Pro Ala Thr Cys Phe Glu Tyr Pro Asn Phe Phe 405 410 415 cga gtg gtc atc aca gtc ccc gag gtg atg atg ctg gag gct tgt agc 1296 Arg Val Val Ile Thr Val Pro Glu Val Met Met Leu Glu Ala Cys Ser 420 425 430 cgg atc cag gag ttc tgt gaa cag cac tac cac tgt gct gaa ggc agc 1344 Arg Ile Gln Glu Phe Cys Glu Gln His Tyr His Cys Ala Glu Gly Ser 435 440 445 cag gag gag tgt gac aaa taa 1365 Gln Glu Glu Cys Asp Lys 450 455 4 454 PRT Rattus norvegicus 4 Met Asp Ser Tyr Val Ile Gln Thr Asp Val Asp Asp Ser Leu Ser Ser 1 5 10 15 Val Leu Asp Val Arg Val Asn Val Gly Gly Arg Asn Ser Val Gln Gly 20 25 30 Arg Lys Lys Gly Arg Lys Ala Arg Trp Asp Val Arg Pro Ser Asp Met 35 40 45 Ser Asn Lys Thr Phe Asn Pro Ile Arg Ala Ile Val Asp Asn Met Lys 50 55 60 Val Gln Pro Asn Pro Asn Lys Thr Val Ile Ser Leu Ser Ile Gly Asp 65 70 75 80 Pro Thr Val Phe Gly Asn Leu Pro Thr Asp Pro Glu Val Thr Gln Ala 85 90 95 Met Lys Asp Ala Leu Asp Ser Gly Lys Tyr Asn Gly Tyr Ala Pro Ser 100 105 110 Ile Gly Tyr Leu Ser Ser Arg Glu Glu Val Ala Ser Tyr Tyr His Cys 115 120 125 His Glu Ala Pro Leu Glu Ala Lys Asp Val Ile Leu Thr Ser Gly Cys 130 135 140 Ser Gln Ala Ile Glu Leu Cys Leu Ala Val Leu Ala Asn Pro Gly Gln 145 150 155 160 Asn Ile Leu Ile Pro Arg Pro Gly Phe Ser Leu Tyr Arg Thr Leu Ala 165 170 175 Glu Ser Met Gly Ile Glu Val Lys Leu Tyr Asn Leu Leu Pro Glu Lys 180 185 190 Ser Trp Glu Ile Asp Leu Lys Gln Leu Glu Ser Leu Ile Asp Glu Lys 195 200 205 Thr Ala Cys Leu Val Val Asn Asn Pro Ser Asn Pro Cys Gly Ser Val 210 215 220 Phe Ser Lys Arg His Leu Gln Lys Ile Leu Ala Val Ala Glu Arg Gln 225 230 235 240 Cys Val Pro Ile Leu Ala Asp Glu Ile Tyr Gly Asp Met Val Phe Ser 245 250 255 Asp Cys Lys Tyr Glu Pro Leu Ala Asn Leu Ser Thr Asn Val Pro Ile 260 265 270 Leu Ser Cys Gly Gly Leu Ala Lys Arg Trp Leu Val Pro Gly Trp Arg 275 280 285 Leu Gly Trp Ile Leu Ile His Asp Arg Arg Asp Ile Phe Gly Asn Glu 290 295 300 Ile Arg Asp Gly Leu Val Lys Leu Ser Gln Arg Ile Leu Gly Pro Cys 305 310 315 320 Thr Ile Val Gln Gly Ala Leu Lys Ser Ile Leu Gln Arg Thr Pro Gln 325 330 335 Glu Phe Tyr His Asp Thr Leu Ser Phe Leu Lys Ser Asn Ala Asp Leu 340 345 350 Cys Tyr Gly Ala Leu Ala Ala Ile Pro Gly Leu Gln Pro Val Arg Pro 355 360 365 Ser Gly Ala Met Tyr Leu Met Val Gly Ile Glu Met Glu His Leu Pro 370 375 380 Glu Phe Glu Asn Asp Val Glu Phe Thr Glu Arg Leu Ile Ala Glu Gln 385 390 395 400 Ala Val His Cys Leu Pro Ala Thr Cys Phe Glu Tyr Pro Asn Phe Phe 405 410 415 Arg Val Val Ile Thr Val Pro Glu Val Met Met Leu Glu Ala Cys Ser 420 425 430 Arg Ile Gln Glu Phe Cys Glu Gln His Tyr His Cys Ala Glu Gly Ser 435 440 445 Gln Glu Glu Cys Asp Lys 450 5 1269 DNA Arabidopsis thaliana CDS (1)..(1269) 5 atg gca acc ctt aag tgc att gat tgg caa ttc agc gga agc gag gcg 48 Met Ala Thr Leu Lys Cys Ile Asp Trp Gln Phe Ser Gly Ser Glu Ala 1 5 10 15 gcc aaa gat gct gct gcg gcc tcc tta ggc tca tat acc tct gca ctc 96 Ala Lys Asp Ala Ala Ala Ala Ser Leu Gly Ser Tyr Thr Ser Ala Leu 20 25 30 tat gcc ctg tgc gat cct cat ggc aaa ccc att ttg ccc cca cga aat 144 Tyr Ala Leu Cys Asp Pro His Gly Lys Pro Ile Leu Pro Pro Arg Asn 35 40 45 gag atc ctg gag acc agc aat aca gcc gaa aaa gca gtt gtt aaa gct 192 Glu Ile Leu Glu Thr Ser Asn Thr Ala Glu Lys Ala Val Val Lys Ala 50 55 60 gtt ctt tat ggc tcg gga aac gcc tat gct cct agc tta ggc ctc gcg 240 Val Leu Tyr Gly Ser Gly Asn Ala Tyr Ala Pro Ser Leu Gly Leu Ala 65 70 75 80 gcc gcc aaa agt gcc gta gca gag tat cta aac caa ggt ctt cca aag 288 Ala Ala Lys Ser Ala Val Ala Glu Tyr Leu Asn Gln Gly Leu Pro Lys 85 90 95 aag ctt acc gca gat gac gtg ttt atg act ctg gga tgc aaa caa gct 336 Lys Leu Thr Ala Asp Asp Val Phe Met Thr Leu Gly Cys Lys Gln Ala 100 105 110 att gag ctc gcg gta gac att ctc gct aaa ccg aaa gcc aac gtt ttg 384 Ile Glu Leu Ala Val Asp Ile Leu Ala Lys Pro Lys Ala Asn Val Leu 115 120 125 ctt ccg agt ccc ggc ttc cca tgg gac cta gtc cgc tcc atc tac aag 432 Leu Pro Ser Pro Gly Phe Pro Trp Asp Leu Val Arg Ser Ile Tyr Lys 130 135 140 aac ctt gag gtc cgc cac tat aat ttc ctt cca gaa aag aac ttt gaa 480 Asn Leu Glu Val Arg His Tyr Asn Phe Leu Pro Glu Lys Asn Phe Glu 145 150 155 160 atc gac ttt gat agc gtc cga gcg ctc gtg gac gag aac aca ttt gcc 528 Ile Asp Phe Asp Ser Val Arg Ala Leu Val Asp Glu Asn Thr Phe Ala 165 170 175 ata ttt ata atc aac ccc cac aac ccc aat ggt aac acc tac tcc gag 576 Ile Phe Ile Ile Asn Pro His Asn Pro Asn Gly Asn Thr Tyr Ser Glu 180 185 190 gct cat ctc aaa cag ctg gct gaa ctg gct aag gaa ctc aag att atg 624 Ala His Leu Lys Gln Leu Ala Glu Leu Ala Lys Glu Leu Lys Ile Met 195 200 205 gtg gtt tct gac gag gtt ttt aga tgg aca ctc ttt ggt agt aac cct 672 Val Val Ser Asp Glu Val Phe Arg Trp Thr Leu Phe Gly Ser Asn Pro 210 215 220 ttt gtt cct atg gga aaa ttc tcg tcg atc gta cca gtg gtt aca ctc 720 Phe Val Pro Met Gly Lys Phe Ser Ser Ile Val Pro Val Val Thr Leu 225 230 235 240 gga tcc ata tca aag gga tgg aaa gtc cca gga tgg cga act ggt tgg 768 Gly Ser Ile Ser Lys Gly Trp Lys Val Pro Gly Trp Arg Thr Gly Trp 245 250 255 ctc acg cta cat gat cta gac ggt gtc ttc aga aac acc aag gtc tta 816 Leu Thr Leu His Asp Leu Asp Gly Val Phe Arg Asn Thr Lys Val Leu 260 265 270 caa gct gct caa gat ttt ctc cag ata aac aat aac cct ccg aca gtt 864 Gln Ala Ala Gln Asp Phe Leu Gln Ile Asn Asn Asn Pro Pro Thr Val 275 280 285 atc cag gcg gct att cct gac atc ttg gag aaa act cct caa gag ttt 912 Ile Gln Ala Ala Ile Pro Asp Ile Leu Glu Lys Thr Pro Gln Glu Phe 290 295 300 ttt gat aag agg cag agt ttt ctg aaa gat aaa gta gaa ttt ggt tat 960 Phe Asp Lys Arg Gln Ser Phe Leu Lys Asp Lys Val Glu Phe Gly Tyr 305 310 315 320 tct aag ctc aag tac att cct agc ctc act tgc tac atg aaa ccc gaa 1008 Ser Lys Leu Lys Tyr Ile Pro Ser Leu Thr Cys Tyr Met Lys Pro Glu 325 330 335 gcc tgc acc ttc tta tgg acc gag ctt gat tta tcg agc ttt gtg gac 1056 Ala Cys Thr Phe Leu Trp Thr Glu Leu Asp Leu Ser Ser Phe Val Asp 340 345 350 atc gaa gac gat caa gac ttt tgc aat aag ctt gct aaa gaa gaa aac 1104 Ile Glu Asp Asp Gln Asp Phe Cys Asn Lys Leu Ala Lys Glu Glu Asn 355 360 365 ctc gtc gtt tta cca ggg att gca ttc agt cag aag aac tgg ttg agg 1152 Leu Val Val Leu Pro Gly Ile Ala Phe Ser Gln Lys Asn Trp Leu Arg 370 375 380 cat tct atc gat atg gag act ccg gta ttg gag gat gca ttg gaa aga 1200 His Ser Ile Asp Met Glu Thr Pro Val Leu Glu Asp Ala Leu Glu Arg 385 390 395 400 ttg aag agc ttc tgc gat cgc cat tcc aac aaa aaa gct ccc ctc aaa 1248 Leu Lys Ser Phe Cys Asp Arg His Ser Asn Lys Lys Ala Pro Leu Lys 405 410 415 gac gtc aat ggt gtt aag taa 1269 Asp Val Asn Gly Val Lys 420 6 422 PRT Arabidopsis thaliana 6 Met Ala Thr Leu Lys Cys Ile Asp Trp Gln Phe Ser Gly Ser Glu Ala 1 5 10 15 Ala Lys Asp Ala Ala Ala Ala Ser Leu Gly Ser Tyr Thr Ser Ala Leu 20 25 30 Tyr Ala Leu Cys Asp Pro His Gly Lys Pro Ile Leu Pro Pro Arg Asn 35 40 45 Glu Ile Leu Glu Thr Ser Asn Thr Ala Glu Lys Ala Val Val Lys Ala 50 55 60 Val Leu Tyr Gly Ser Gly Asn Ala Tyr Ala Pro Ser Leu Gly Leu Ala 65 70 75 80 Ala Ala Lys Ser Ala Val Ala Glu Tyr Leu Asn Gln Gly Leu Pro Lys 85 90 95 Lys Leu Thr Ala Asp Asp Val Phe Met Thr Leu Gly Cys Lys Gln Ala 100 105 110 Ile Glu Leu Ala Val Asp Ile Leu Ala Lys Pro Lys Ala Asn Val Leu 115 120 125 Leu Pro Ser Pro Gly Phe Pro Trp Asp Leu Val Arg Ser Ile Tyr Lys 130 135 140 Asn Leu Glu Val Arg His Tyr Asn Phe Leu Pro Glu Lys Asn Phe Glu 145 150 155 160 Ile Asp Phe Asp Ser Val Arg Ala Leu Val Asp Glu Asn Thr Phe Ala 165 170 175 Ile Phe Ile Ile Asn Pro His Asn Pro Asn Gly Asn Thr Tyr Ser Glu 180 185 190 Ala His Leu Lys Gln Leu Ala Glu Leu Ala Lys Glu Leu Lys Ile Met 195 200 205 Val Val Ser Asp Glu Val Phe Arg Trp Thr Leu Phe Gly Ser Asn Pro 210 215 220 Phe Val Pro Met Gly Lys Phe Ser Ser Ile Val Pro Val Val Thr Leu 225 230 235 240 Gly Ser Ile Ser Lys Gly Trp Lys Val Pro Gly Trp Arg Thr Gly Trp 245 250 255 Leu Thr Leu His Asp Leu Asp Gly Val Phe Arg Asn Thr Lys Val Leu 260 265 270 Gln Ala Ala Gln Asp Phe Leu Gln Ile Asn Asn Asn Pro Pro Thr Val 275 280 285 Ile Gln Ala Ala Ile Pro Asp Ile Leu Glu Lys Thr Pro Gln Glu Phe 290 295 300 Phe Asp Lys Arg Gln Ser Phe Leu Lys Asp Lys Val Glu Phe Gly Tyr 305 310 315 320 Ser Lys Leu Lys Tyr Ile Pro Ser Leu Thr Cys Tyr Met Lys Pro Glu 325 330 335 Ala Cys Thr Phe Leu Trp Thr Glu Leu Asp Leu Ser Ser Phe Val Asp 340 345 350 Ile Glu Asp Asp Gln Asp Phe Cys Asn Lys Leu Ala Lys Glu Glu Asn 355 360 365 Leu Val Val Leu Pro Gly Ile Ala Phe Ser Gln Lys Asn Trp Leu Arg 370 375 380 His Ser Ile Asp Met Glu Thr Pro Val Leu Glu Asp Ala Leu Glu Arg 385 390 395 400 Leu Lys Ser Phe Cys Asp Arg His Ser Asn Lys Lys Ala Pro Leu Lys 405 410 415 Asp Val Asn Gly Val Lys 420 7 1334 DNA Arabidopsis thaliana CDS (1)..(1332) 7 atg gcg agc aac gga gtt acc aac tgt aac gca aac gcc aat gtt tgg 48 Met Ala Ser Asn Gly Val Thr Asn Cys Asn Ala Asn Ala Asn Val Trp 1 5 10 15 cgg ttc aaa gga aac ggt gca acg agt gat gcg acg gcg gtg acg ttg 96 Arg Phe Lys Gly Asn Gly Ala Thr Ser Asp Ala Thr Ala Val Thr Leu 20 25 30 aga aag ctt gct ttt ggg atg ttt aaa aac tgc acc atg aac agt gga 144 Arg Lys Leu Ala Phe Gly Met Phe Lys Asn Cys Thr Met Asn Ser Gly 35 40 45 aag acc att ttg ttc cca act ccc ggc gag ccc tcc gcc cat tcc aac 192 Lys Thr Ile Leu Phe Pro Thr Pro Gly Glu Pro Ser Ala His Ser Asn 50 55 60 ttc agg act tgc ccg gaa gcc gag gaa gcc gtt gcc gac gct gca cgc 240 Phe Arg Thr Cys Pro Glu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Asp Ala Ala Arg 65 70 75 80 tcc ggc atg gct aac tct tac gca ccc agc cct gga gtt ttc aag gct 288 Ser Gly Met Ala Asn Ser Tyr Ala Pro Ser Pro Gly Val Phe Lys Ala 85 90 95 aga agg gcg gtg gct gaa tat tta aac gga gaa ctt ccg acg aag ctg 336 Arg Arg Ala Val Ala Glu Tyr Leu Asn Gly Glu Leu Pro Thr Lys Leu 100 105 110 aag gcc gag gat gtg tat atc acc gga gga tgt aac caa gcc ata gag 384 Lys Ala Glu Asp Val Tyr Ile Thr Gly Gly Cys Asn Gln Ala Ile Glu 115 120 125 atc gtg ata gat tct ctt gcc gga aat cca tcc acc aac att cta ctt 432 Ile Val Ile Asp Ser Leu Ala Gly Asn Pro Ser Thr Asn Ile Leu Leu 130 135 140 cca agg ccg ggg tat cct cac tac gat gct cgt gct gtc tat agc ggc 480 Pro Arg Pro Gly Tyr Pro His Tyr Asp Ala Arg Ala Val Tyr Ser Gly 145 150 155 160 ctc gag att cgc gaa tac gat ctt ctc ccc gag agt gat tgg gaa atc 528 Leu Glu Ile Arg Glu Tyr Asp Leu Leu Pro Glu Ser Asp Trp Glu Ile 165 170 175 aat ctc gat ggc ctc gag gcg gct gcg gat gag aat acc gtc gca atg 576 Asn Leu Asp Gly Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Asp Glu Asn Thr Val Ala Met 180 185 190 gta atc atc aac ccc aac aat cca tgt gga aac gtc tac acc tac gac 624 Val Ile Ile Asn Pro Asn Asn Pro Cys Gly Asn Val Tyr Thr Tyr Asp 195 200 205 cat ctc aac aag gtc gcg gag atg gct aga aaa ctc ggt ata atg ata 672 His Leu Asn Lys Val Ala Glu Met Ala Arg Lys Leu Gly Ile Met Ile 210 215 220 ata tcc gac gaa gta tat gat cat gtt gta tat gga gac aag cct ttt 720 Ile Ser Asp Glu Val Tyr Asp His Val Val Tyr Gly Asp Lys Pro Phe 225 230 235 240 att ccc atg ggg aag ttt gca tca ata gct ccg gtg atc acg ctc gga 768 Ile Pro Met Gly Lys Phe Ala Ser Ile Ala Pro Val Ile Thr Leu Gly 245 250 255 tcc ata tcc aaa gga tgg gtc aac cca ggc tgg aga gtt ggc tgg atc 816 Ser Ile Ser Lys Gly Trp Val Asn Pro Gly Trp Arg Val Gly Trp Ile 260 265 270 gcc atg aac gat cct aat ggt atc ttt gta tct aca ggg gta gtt caa 864 Ala Met Asn Asp Pro Asn Gly Ile Phe Val Ser Thr Gly Val Val Gln 275 280 285 gca ata gag gat ttt ctt gat tta act cca cag cct tca ttt att ctc 912 Ala Ile Glu Asp Phe Leu Asp Leu Thr Pro Gln Pro Ser Phe Ile Leu 290 295 300 cag gaa gca ctt cct gat ata ttg gag aaa aca cct aaa gag ttc ttc 960 Gln Glu Ala Leu Pro Asp Ile Leu Glu Lys Thr Pro Lys Glu Phe Phe 305 310 315 320 gag aag aag atc aaa gcc atg aga cgc aac gtc gag ctt tca tgt gag 1008 Glu Lys Lys Ile Lys Ala Met Arg Arg Asn Val Glu Leu Ser Cys Glu 325 330 335 agg ctc aag gat att cct tgt ctc ttt tgt ccc aag aaa ccc gaa tct 1056 Arg Leu Lys Asp Ile Pro Cys Leu Phe Cys Pro Lys Lys Pro Glu Ser 340 345 350 tgt tct tat tta tgg ttg aag ctt gac aca tca atg ttg aat aat atc 1104 Cys Ser Tyr Leu Trp Leu Lys Leu Asp Thr Ser Met Leu Asn Asn Ile 355 360 365 aaa aat gat ttt gat ttc tgc acg aag cta gtt agt gag gag agt ctt 1152 Lys Asn Asp Phe Asp Phe Cys Thr Lys Leu Val Ser Glu Glu Ser Leu 370 375 380 atc ctt ata cca gga gtg gct cta ggg gca gag aat tgg gtg agg ata 1200 Ile Leu Ile Pro Gly Val Ala Leu Gly Ala Glu Asn Trp Val Arg Ile 385 390 395 400 tcg ata gga acc gac gaa tca gtg gta caa gaa ata ttt gac aga cta 1248 Ser Ile Gly Thr Asp Glu Ser Val Val Gln Glu Ile Phe Asp Arg Leu 405 410 415 aaa ggt ttc tat gat cgt cat gcc atc tcc aag gaa gct atc aaa ctc 1296 Lys Gly Phe Tyr Asp Arg His Ala Ile Ser Lys Glu Ala Ile Lys Leu 420 425 430 agt ggc cat gcc att aac cag atc gtc gtc tct gtc aa 1334 Ser Gly His Ala Ile Asn Gln Ile Val Val Ser Val 435 440 8 444 PRT Arabidopsis thaliana 8 Met Ala Ser Asn Gly Val Thr Asn Cys Asn Ala Asn Ala Asn Val Trp 1 5 10 15 Arg Phe Lys Gly Asn Gly Ala Thr Ser Asp Ala Thr Ala Val Thr Leu 20 25 30 Arg Lys Leu Ala Phe Gly Met Phe Lys Asn Cys Thr Met Asn Ser Gly 35 40 45 Lys Thr Ile Leu Phe Pro Thr Pro Gly Glu Pro Ser Ala His Ser Asn 50 55 60 Phe Arg Thr Cys Pro Glu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Asp Ala Ala Arg 65 70 75 80 Ser Gly Met Ala Asn Ser Tyr Ala Pro Ser Pro Gly Val Phe Lys Ala 85 90 95 Arg Arg Ala Val Ala Glu Tyr Leu Asn Gly Glu Leu Pro Thr Lys Leu 100 105 110 Lys Ala Glu Asp Val Tyr Ile Thr Gly Gly Cys Asn Gln Ala Ile Glu 115 120 125 Ile Val Ile Asp Ser Leu Ala Gly Asn Pro Ser Thr Asn Ile Leu Leu 130 135 140 Pro Arg Pro Gly Tyr Pro His Tyr Asp Ala Arg Ala Val Tyr Ser Gly 145 150 155 160 Leu Glu Ile Arg Glu Tyr Asp Leu Leu Pro Glu Ser Asp Trp Glu Ile 165 170 175 Asn Leu Asp Gly Leu Glu Ala Ala Ala Asp Glu Asn Thr Val Ala Met 180 185 190 Val Ile Ile Asn Pro Asn Asn Pro Cys Gly Asn Val Tyr Thr Tyr Asp 195 200 205 His Leu Asn Lys Val Ala Glu Met Ala Arg Lys Leu Gly Ile Met Ile 210 215 220 Ile Ser Asp Glu Val Tyr Asp His Val Val Tyr Gly Asp Lys Pro Phe 225 230 235 240 Ile Pro Met Gly Lys Phe Ala Ser Ile Ala Pro Val Ile Thr Leu Gly 245 250 255 Ser Ile Ser Lys Gly Trp Val Asn Pro Gly Trp Arg Val Gly Trp Ile 260 265 270 Ala Met Asn Asp Pro Asn Gly Ile Phe Val Ser Thr Gly Val Val Gln 275 280 285 Ala Ile Glu Asp Phe Leu Asp Leu Thr Pro Gln Pro Ser Phe Ile Leu 290 295 300 Gln Glu Ala Leu Pro Asp Ile Leu Glu Lys Thr Pro Lys Glu Phe Phe 305 310 315 320 Glu Lys Lys Ile Lys Ala Met Arg Arg Asn Val Glu Leu Ser Cys Glu 325 330 335 Arg Leu Lys Asp Ile Pro Cys Leu Phe Cys Pro Lys Lys Pro Glu Ser 340 345 350 Cys Ser Tyr Leu Trp Leu Lys Leu Asp Thr Ser Met Leu Asn Asn Ile 355 360 365 Lys Asn Asp Phe Asp Phe Cys Thr Lys Leu Val Ser Glu Glu Ser Leu 370 375 380 Ile Leu Ile Pro Gly Val Ala Leu Gly Ala Glu Asn Trp Val Arg Ile 385 390 395 400 Ser Ile Gly Thr Asp Glu Ser Val Val Gln Glu Ile Phe Asp Arg Leu 405 410 415 Lys Gly Phe Tyr Asp Arg His Ala Ile Ser Lys Glu Ala Ile Lys Leu 420 425 430 Ser Gly His Ala Ile Asn Gln Ile Val Val Ser Val 435 440 9 1389 DNA Arabidopsis thaliana CDS (1)..(1389) 9 atg agc gaa gaa caa caa cac gcc aat cta gcg gtt ccc gcg ttt aaa 48 Met Ser Glu Glu Gln Gln His Ala Asn Leu Ala Val Pro Ala Phe Lys 1 5 10 15 act gag aaa gat ccc gta acg caa acg caa aat ggt caa agt agc gtt 96 Thr Glu Lys Asp Pro Val Thr Gln Thr Gln Asn Gly Gln Ser Ser Val 20 25 30 tgg cgt ttc ggt gga agt gat aag gca gcg aaa gca tcc acc gta acg 144 Trp Arg Phe Gly Gly Ser Asp Lys Ala Ala Lys Ala Ser Thr Val Thr 35 40 45 ctt aga ggt gtc atc tac atg ctc ttc gac aac tgc agc aaa gac gtc 192 Leu Arg Gly Val Ile Tyr Met Leu Phe Asp Asn Cys Ser Lys Asp Val 50 55 60 aat aag acc att tta ccc ctc ggc cac ggt gac cct tcc gtc tac cct 240 Asn Lys Thr Ile Leu Pro Leu Gly His Gly Asp Pro Ser Val Tyr Pro 65 70 75 80 tgc ttc cgt acc tgt atc gaa gct gaa gac gcc gtc gtc gac gtc ctt 288 Cys Phe Arg Thr Cys Ile Glu Ala Glu Asp Ala Val Val Asp Val Leu 85 90 95 cgc tcc ggc aaa ggc aat tct tac ggt ccc gga gct ggg att ctc ccc 336 Arg Ser Gly Lys Gly Asn Ser Tyr Gly Pro Gly Ala Gly Ile Leu Pro 100 105 110 gca aga cga gcc gtt gct gat tat atg aac cga gat ctt ccg cac aag 384 Ala Arg Arg Ala Val Ala Asp Tyr Met Asn Arg Asp Leu Pro His Lys 115 120 125 tta acg ccc gaa gat att ttt ctg acc gct gga tgc aac caa ggg ata 432 Leu Thr Pro Glu Asp Ile Phe Leu Thr Ala Gly Cys Asn Gln Gly Ile 130 135 140 gag atc gtg ttc gaa tcg ttg gct cga cca aac gca aac atc ttg ctc 480 Glu Ile Val Phe Glu Ser Leu Ala Arg Pro Asn Ala Asn Ile Leu Leu 145 150 155 160 cca cgt cct ggc ttc cct cat tac gac gct cgt gct gct tac agt ggt 528 Pro Arg Pro Gly Phe Pro His Tyr Asp Ala Arg Ala Ala Tyr Ser Gly 165 170 175 ctc gag gtt cgc aag ttt gat ctt ctt ccc gag aaa gaa tgg gag att 576 Leu Glu Val Arg Lys Phe Asp Leu Leu Pro Glu Lys Glu Trp Glu Ile 180 185 190 gat ctt gaa ggt atc gaa gcc att gca gac gag aaa act gtg gct atg 624 Asp Leu Glu Gly Ile Glu Ala Ile Ala Asp Glu Lys Thr Val Ala Met 195 200 205 gtt gta att aac ccc aac aat ccc tgt gga aat gtc tac tct cac gac 672 Val Val Ile Asn Pro Asn Asn Pro Cys Gly Asn Val Tyr Ser His Asp 210 215 220 cat ctc aaa aag gtt gca gag acg gct agg aag ctc ggg ata atg gtg 720 His Leu Lys Lys Val Ala Glu Thr Ala Arg Lys Leu Gly Ile Met Val 225 230 235 240 atc tca gac gaa gta tat gac cga act ata ttc gga gac aat cca ttt 768 Ile Ser Asp Glu Val Tyr Asp Arg Thr Ile Phe Gly Asp Asn Pro Phe 245 250 255 gtt cca atg ggg aag ttt gct tcg ata gtc cct gta ttg aca cta gca 816 Val Pro Met Gly Lys Phe Ala Ser Ile Val Pro Val Leu Thr Leu Ala 260 265 270 ggc ata tct aag gga tgg gtt gtt cct gga tgg aaa att ggc tgg att 864 Gly Ile Ser Lys Gly Trp Val Val Pro Gly Trp Lys Ile Gly Trp Ile 275 280 285 gcc ttg aat gat ccc gag ggc gtt ttc gag acc acc aag gtg tta caa 912 Ala Leu Asn Asp Pro Glu Gly Val Phe Glu Thr Thr Lys Val Leu Gln 290 295 300 tcc atc aaa cag aat ctt gac gta act cct gac cct gcc aca ata att 960 Ser Ile Lys Gln Asn Leu Asp Val Thr Pro Asp Pro Ala Thr Ile Ile 305 310 315 320 cag gct gca ctt cca gcg atc ctg gag aaa gcg gac aaa aac ttc ttt 1008 Gln Ala Ala Leu Pro Ala Ile Leu Glu Lys Ala Asp Lys Asn Phe Phe 325 330 335 gca aag aag aac aag ata ctc aaa cat aat gtt gat ttg gtg tgt gat 1056 Ala Lys Lys Asn Lys Ile Leu Lys His Asn Val Asp Leu Val Cys Asp 340 345 350 agg ctc aag gac atc ccc tgt gtc gtc tgt ccc aag aaa cct gag tct 1104 Arg Leu Lys Asp Ile Pro Cys Val Val Cys Pro Lys Lys Pro Glu Ser 355 360 365 tgc act tac tta ttg aca aag ttg gag ctg tca ctg atg gat aat atc 1152 Cys Thr Tyr Leu Leu Thr Lys Leu Glu Leu Ser Leu Met Asp Asn Ile 370 375 380 aag gac gat ata gat ttt tgc gta aaa ctg gcc aga gag gag aat ctc 1200 Lys Asp Asp Ile Asp Phe Cys Val Lys Leu Ala Arg Glu Glu Asn Leu 385 390 395 400 gtg ttt cta cca ggg gat gct ctg ggt ttg aag aac tgg acg agg ata 1248 Val Phe Leu Pro Gly Asp Ala Leu Gly Leu Lys Asn Trp Thr Arg Ile 405 410 415 acc atc gga gtc gaa gct cat atg ctt gag gat gca ctt gag aga ctg 1296 Thr Ile Gly Val Glu Ala His Met Leu Glu Asp Ala Leu Glu Arg Leu 420 425 430 aag ggt ttc tgt aca cgt cat gcc aag aag aca gag aca gaa act gag 1344 Lys Gly Phe Cys Thr Arg His Ala Lys Lys Thr Glu Thr Glu Thr Glu 435 440 445 tca ctt caa gct ttg aaa ctg agt gat aat aat ctc gaa atg taa 1389 Ser Leu Gln Ala Leu Lys Leu Ser Asp Asn Asn Leu Glu Met 450 455 460 10 462 PRT Arabidopsis thaliana 10 Met Ser Glu Glu Gln Gln His Ala Asn Leu Ala Val Pro Ala Phe Lys 1 5 10 15 Thr Glu Lys Asp Pro Val Thr Gln Thr Gln Asn Gly Gln Ser Ser Val 20 25 30 Trp Arg Phe Gly Gly Ser Asp Lys Ala Ala Lys Ala Ser Thr Val Thr 35 40 45 Leu Arg Gly Val Ile Tyr Met Leu Phe Asp Asn Cys Ser Lys Asp Val 50 55 60 Asn Lys Thr Ile Leu Pro Leu Gly His Gly Asp Pro Ser Val Tyr Pro 65 70 75 80 Cys Phe Arg Thr Cys Ile Glu Ala Glu Asp Ala Val Val Asp Val Leu 85 90 95 Arg Ser Gly Lys Gly Asn Ser Tyr Gly Pro Gly Ala Gly Ile Leu Pro 100 105 110 Ala Arg Arg Ala Val Ala Asp Tyr Met Asn Arg Asp Leu Pro His Lys 115 120 125 Leu Thr Pro Glu Asp Ile Phe Leu Thr Ala Gly Cys Asn Gln Gly Ile 130 135 140 Glu Ile Val Phe Glu Ser Leu Ala Arg Pro Asn Ala Asn Ile Leu Leu 145 150 155 160 Pro Arg Pro Gly Phe Pro His Tyr Asp Ala Arg Ala Ala Tyr Ser Gly 165 170 175 Leu Glu Val Arg Lys Phe Asp Leu Leu Pro Glu Lys Glu Trp Glu Ile 180 185 190 Asp Leu Glu Gly Ile Glu Ala Ile Ala Asp Glu Lys Thr Val Ala Met 195 200 205 Val Val Ile Asn Pro Asn Asn Pro Cys Gly Asn Val Tyr Ser His Asp 210 215 220 His Leu Lys Lys Val Ala Glu Thr Ala Arg Lys Leu Gly Ile Met Val 225 230 235 240 Ile Ser Asp Glu Val Tyr Asp Arg Thr Ile Phe Gly Asp Asn Pro Phe 245 250 255 Val Pro Met Gly Lys Phe Ala Ser Ile Val Pro Val Leu Thr Leu Ala 260 265 270 Gly Ile Ser Lys Gly Trp Val Val Pro Gly Trp Lys Ile Gly Trp Ile 275 280 285 Ala Leu Asn Asp Pro Glu Gly Val Phe Glu Thr Thr Lys Val Leu Gln 290 295 300 Ser Ile Lys Gln Asn Leu Asp Val Thr Pro Asp Pro Ala Thr Ile Ile 305 310 315 320 Gln Ala Ala Leu Pro Ala Ile Leu Glu Lys Ala Asp Lys Asn Phe Phe 325 330 335 Ala Lys Lys Asn Lys Ile Leu Lys His Asn Val Asp Leu Val Cys Asp 340 345 350 Arg Leu Lys Asp Ile Pro Cys Val Val Cys Pro Lys Lys Pro Glu Ser 355 360 365 Cys Thr Tyr Leu Leu Thr Lys Leu Glu Leu Ser Leu Met Asp Asn Ile 370 375 380 Lys Asp Asp Ile Asp Phe Cys Val Lys Leu Ala Arg Glu Glu Asn Leu 385 390 395 400 Val Phe Leu Pro Gly Asp Ala Leu Gly Leu Lys Asn Trp Thr Arg Ile 405 410 415 Thr Ile Gly Val Glu Ala His Met Leu Glu Asp Ala Leu Glu Arg Leu 420 425 430 Lys Gly Phe Cys Thr Arg His Ala Lys Lys Thr Glu Thr Glu Thr Glu 435 440 445 Ser Leu Gln Ala Leu Lys Leu Ser Asp Asn Asn Leu Glu Met 450 455 460 11 1243 DNA Arabidopsis thaliana CDS (1)..(1242) 11 atg gag aat gga gca acg acg acg agc aca att acc atc aaa ggg att 48 Met Glu Asn Gly Ala Thr Thr Thr Ser Thr Ile Thr Ile Lys Gly Ile 1 5 10 15 ctg agt ttg cta atg gaa agc atc aca aca gag gaa gat gaa gga gga 96 Leu Ser Leu Leu Met Glu Ser Ile Thr Thr Glu Glu Asp Glu Gly Gly 20 25 30 aag aga gta ata tct ctg gga atg gga gac cca aca ctc tac tcg tgt 144 Lys Arg Val Ile Ser Leu Gly Met Gly Asp Pro Thr Leu Tyr Ser Cys 35 40 45 ttt cgt aca aca caa gtc tct ctt caa gct gtt tct gat tct ctt ctc 192 Phe Arg Thr Thr Gln Val Ser Leu Gln Ala Val Ser Asp Ser Leu Leu 50 55 60 tcc aac aag ttc cat ggt tac tct cct acc gtc ggt ctt ccc caa gct 240 Ser Asn Lys Phe His Gly Tyr Ser Pro Thr Val Gly Leu Pro Gln Ala 65 70 75 80 cga agg gca ata gca gag tat cta tcg cgt gat ctt cca tac aaa ctt 288 Arg Arg Ala Ile Ala Glu Tyr Leu Ser Arg Asp Leu Pro Tyr Lys Leu 85 90 95 tca cag gat gat gtg ttt atc aca tcg ggt tgc acg caa gcg atc gat 336 Ser Gln Asp Asp Val Phe Ile Thr Ser Gly Cys Thr Gln Ala Ile Asp 100 105 110 gta gca ttg tcg atg tta gct cgt ccc agg gct aat ata ctt ctt cca 384 Val Ala Leu Ser Met Leu Ala Arg Pro Arg Ala Asn Ile Leu Leu Pro 115 120 125 agg cct ggt ttc cca atc tat gaa ctc tgt gct aag ttt aga cac ctt 432 Arg Pro Gly Phe Pro Ile Tyr Glu Leu Cys Ala Lys Phe Arg His Leu 130 135 140 gaa gtt cgc tac gtc gat ctt ctt ccg gaa aat gga tgg gag atc gat 480 Glu Val Arg Tyr Val Asp Leu Leu Pro Glu Asn Gly Trp Glu Ile Asp 145 150 155 160 ctt gat gct gtc gag gct ctt gca gac gaa aac acg gtt gct ttg gtt 528 Leu Asp Ala Val Glu Ala Leu Ala Asp Glu Asn Thr Val Ala Leu Val 165 170 175 gtt ata aac cct ggt aat cct tgc ggg aat gtc tat agc tac cag cat 576 Val Ile Asn Pro Gly Asn Pro Cys Gly Asn Val Tyr Ser Tyr Gln His 180 185 190 ttg atg aag att gcg gaa tcg gcg aaa aaa cta ggg ttt ctt gtg att 624 Leu Met Lys Ile Ala Glu Ser Ala Lys Lys Leu Gly Phe Leu Val Ile 195 200 205 gct gat gag gtt tac ggt cat ctt gct ttt ggt agc aaa ccg ttt gtg 672 Ala Asp Glu Val Tyr Gly His Leu Ala Phe Gly Ser Lys Pro Phe Val 210 215 220 cca atg ggt gtg ttt gga tct att gtt cct gtg ctt act ctt ggc tct 720 Pro Met Gly Val Phe Gly Ser Ile Val Pro Val Leu Thr Leu Gly Ser 225 230 235 240 tta tca aag aga tgg ata gtt cca ggt tgg cga ctc ggg tgg ttt gtc 768 Leu Ser Lys Arg Trp Ile Val Pro Gly Trp Arg Leu Gly Trp Phe Val 245 250 255 acc act gat cct tct ggt tcc ttt aag gac cct aag atc att gag agg 816 Thr Thr Asp Pro Ser Gly Ser Phe Lys Asp Pro Lys Ile Ile Glu Arg 260 265 270 ttt aag aaa tac ttt gat att ctt ggt gga cca gct aca ttt att cag 864 Phe Lys Lys Tyr Phe Asp Ile Leu Gly Gly Pro Ala Thr Phe Ile Gln 275 280 285 gct gca gtt ccc act att ttg gaa cag acg gat gag tct ttc ttc aag 912 Ala Ala Val Pro Thr Ile Leu Glu Gln Thr Asp Glu Ser Phe Phe Lys 290 295 300 aaa acc ttg aac tcg ttg aag aac tct tcg gat att tgt tgt gac tgg 960 Lys Thr Leu Asn Ser Leu Lys Asn Ser Ser Asp Ile Cys Cys Asp Trp 305 310 315 320 atc aag gag att cct tgc att gat tcc tcg cat cga cca gaa gga tcc 1008 Ile Lys Glu Ile Pro Cys Ile Asp Ser Ser His Arg Pro Glu Gly Ser 325 330 335 atg gca atg atg gtc aag ctg aat ctc tca tta ctt gaa gat gta agt 1056 Met Ala Met Met Val Lys Leu Asn Leu Ser Leu Leu Glu Asp Val Ser 340 345 350 gac gat atc gac ttc tgt ttc aag tta gct agg gaa gaa tca gtc atc 1104 Asp Asp Ile Asp Phe Cys Phe Lys Leu Ala Arg Glu Glu Ser Val Ile 355 360 365 ctt ctt cct ggt acc gcg gtg ggg ctg aag aac tgg ctg agg ata acg 1152 Leu Leu Pro Gly Thr Ala Val Gly Leu Lys Asn Trp Leu Arg Ile Thr 370 375 380 ttt gca gca gat gca act tcg att gaa gaa gct ttt aaa agg atc aaa 1200 Phe Ala Ala Asp Ala Thr Ser Ile Glu Glu Ala Phe Lys Arg Ile Lys 385 390 395 400 tgt ttc tat ctt aga cat gcc aag act caa tat cca acc ata t 1243 Cys Phe Tyr Leu Arg His Ala Lys Thr Gln Tyr Pro Thr Ile 405 410 12 414 PRT Arabidopsis thaliana 12 Met Glu Asn Gly Ala Thr Thr Thr Ser Thr Ile Thr Ile Lys Gly Ile 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Leu Leu Met Glu Ser Ile Thr Thr Glu Glu Asp Glu Gly Gly 20 25 30 Lys Arg Val Ile Ser Leu Gly Met Gly Asp Pro Thr Leu Tyr Ser Cys 35 40 45 Phe Arg Thr Thr Gln Val Ser Leu Gln Ala Val Ser Asp Ser Leu Leu 50 55 60 Ser Asn Lys Phe His Gly Tyr Ser Pro Thr Val Gly Leu Pro Gln Ala 65 70 75 80 Arg Arg Ala Ile Ala Glu Tyr Leu Ser Arg Asp Leu Pro Tyr Lys Leu 85 90 95 Ser Gln Asp Asp Val Phe Ile Thr Ser Gly Cys Thr Gln Ala Ile Asp 100 105 110 Val Ala Leu Ser Met Leu Ala Arg Pro Arg Ala Asn Ile Leu Leu Pro 115 120 125 Arg Pro Gly Phe Pro Ile Tyr Glu Leu Cys Ala Lys Phe Arg His Leu 130 135 140 Glu Val Arg Tyr Val Asp Leu Leu Pro Glu Asn Gly Trp Glu Ile Asp 145 150 155 160 Leu Asp Ala Val Glu Ala Leu Ala Asp Glu Asn Thr Val Ala Leu Val 165 170 175 Val Ile Asn Pro Gly Asn Pro Cys Gly Asn Val Tyr Ser Tyr Gln His 180 185 190 Leu Met Lys Ile Ala Glu Ser Ala Lys Lys Leu Gly Phe Leu Val Ile 195 200 205 Ala Asp Glu Val Tyr Gly His Leu Ala Phe Gly Ser Lys Pro Phe Val 210 215 220 Pro Met Gly Val Phe Gly Ser Ile Val Pro Val Leu Thr Leu Gly Ser 225 230 235 240 Leu Ser Lys Arg Trp Ile Val Pro Gly Trp Arg Leu Gly Trp Phe Val 245 250 255 Thr Thr Asp Pro Ser Gly Ser Phe Lys Asp Pro Lys Ile Ile Glu Arg 260 265 270 Phe Lys Lys Tyr Phe Asp Ile Leu Gly Gly Pro Ala Thr Phe Ile Gln 275 280 285 Ala Ala Val Pro Thr Ile Leu Glu Gln Thr Asp Glu Ser Phe Phe Lys 290 295 300 Lys Thr Leu Asn Ser Leu Lys Asn Ser Ser Asp Ile Cys Cys Asp Trp 305 310 315 320 Ile Lys Glu Ile Pro Cys Ile Asp Ser Ser His Arg Pro Glu Gly Ser 325 330 335 Met Ala Met Met Val Lys Leu Asn Leu Ser Leu Leu Glu Asp Val Ser 340 345 350 Asp Asp Ile Asp Phe Cys Phe Lys Leu Ala Arg Glu Glu Ser Val Ile 355 360 365 Leu Leu Pro Gly Thr Ala Val Gly Leu Lys Asn Trp Leu Arg Ile Thr 370 375 380 Phe Ala Ala Asp Ala Thr Ser Ile Glu Glu Ala Phe Lys Arg Ile Lys 385 390 395 400 Cys Phe Tyr Leu Arg His Ala Lys Thr Gln Tyr Pro Thr Ile 405 410 13 1338 DNA Arabidopsis thaliana CDS (1)..(1338) 13 atg ggc cac caa aac gcc gcc gtt tca gag aat caa aac cat gat gac 48 Met Gly His Gln Asn Ala Ala Val Ser Glu Asn Gln Asn His Asp Asp 1 5 10 15 ggc gct gcg tcg tcg ccg gga ttc aag ctc gtc gga ttt tcc aag ttc 96 Gly Ala Ala Ser Ser Pro Gly Phe Lys Leu Val Gly Phe Ser Lys Phe 20 25 30 gta aga aag aat cca aag tct gat aaa ttc aag gtt aag cgc ttc cat 144 Val Arg Lys Asn Pro Lys Ser Asp Lys Phe Lys Val Lys Arg Phe His 35 40 45 cac atc gag ttc tgg tgc ggc gac gca acc aac gtc gct cgt cgc ttc 192 His Ile Glu Phe Trp Cys Gly Asp Ala Thr Asn Val Ala Arg Arg Phe 50 55 60 tcc tgg ggt ctg ggg atg aga ttc tcc gcc aaa tcc gat ctt tcc acc 240 Ser Trp Gly Leu Gly Met Arg Phe Ser Ala Lys Ser Asp Leu Ser Thr 65 70 75 80 gga aac atg gtt cac gcc tct tac cta ctc acc tcc ggt gac ctc cga 288 Gly Asn Met Val His Ala Ser Tyr Leu Leu Thr Ser Gly Asp Leu Arg 85 90 95 ttc ctt ttc act gct cct tac tct ccg tct ctc tcc gcc gga gag att 336 Phe Leu Phe Thr Ala Pro Tyr Ser Pro Ser Leu Ser Ala Gly Glu Ile 100 105 110 aaa ccg aca acc aca gct tct atc cca agt ttc gat cac ggc tct tgt 384 Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Ala Ser Ile Pro Ser Phe Asp His Gly Ser Cys 115 120 125 cgt tcc ttc ttc tct tca cat ggt ctc ggt gtt aga gcc gtt gcg att 432 Arg Ser Phe Phe Ser Ser His Gly Leu Gly Val Arg Ala Val Ala Ile 130 135 140 gaa gta gaa gac gca gag tca gct ttc tcc atc agt gta gct aat ggc 480 Glu Val Glu Asp Ala Glu Ser Ala Phe Ser Ile Ser Val Ala Asn Gly 145 150 155 160 gct att cct tcg tcg cct cct atc gtc ctc aat gaa gca gtt acg atc 528 Ala Ile Pro Ser Ser Pro Pro Ile Val Leu Asn Glu Ala Val Thr Ile 165 170 175 gct gag gtt aaa cta tac ggc gat gtt gtt ctc cga tat gtt agt tac 576 Ala Glu Val Lys Leu Tyr Gly Asp Val Val Leu Arg Tyr Val Ser Tyr 180 185 190 aaa gca gaa gat acc gaa aaa tcc gaa ttc ttg cca ggg ttc gag cgt 624 Lys Ala Glu Asp Thr Glu Lys Ser Glu Phe Leu Pro Gly Phe Glu Arg 195 200 205 gta gag gat gcg tcg tcg ttc cca ttg gat tat ggt atc cgg cgg ctt 672 Val Glu Asp Ala Ser Ser Phe Pro Leu Asp Tyr Gly Ile Arg Arg Leu 210 215 220 gac cac gcc gtg gga aac gtt cct gag ctt ggt ccg gct tta act tat 720 Asp His Ala Val Gly Asn Val Pro Glu Leu Gly Pro Ala Leu Thr Tyr 225 230 235 240 gta gcg ggg ttc act ggt ttt cac caa ttc gca gag ttc aca gca gac 768 Val Ala Gly Phe Thr Gly Phe His Gln Phe Ala Glu Phe Thr Ala Asp 245 250 255 gac gtt gga acc gcc gag agc ggt tta aat tca gcg gtc ctg gct agc 816 Asp Val Gly Thr Ala Glu Ser Gly Leu Asn Ser Ala Val Leu Ala Ser 260 265 270 aat gat gaa atg gtt ctt cta ccg att aac gag cca gtg cac gga aca 864 Asn Asp Glu Met Val Leu Leu Pro Ile Asn Glu Pro Val His Gly Thr 275 280 285 aag agg aag agt cag att cag acg tat ttg gaa cat aac gaa ggc gca 912 Lys Arg Lys Ser Gln Ile Gln Thr Tyr Leu Glu His Asn Glu Gly Ala 290 295 300 ggg cta caa cat ctg gct ctg atg agt gaa gac ata ttc agg acc ctg 960 Gly Leu Gln His Leu Ala Leu Met Ser Glu Asp Ile Phe Arg Thr Leu 305 310 315 320 aga gag atg agg aag agg agc agt att gga gga ttc gac ttc atg cct 1008 Arg Glu Met Arg Lys Arg Ser Ser Ile Gly Gly Phe Asp Phe Met Pro 325 330 335 tct cct ccg cct act tac tac cag aat ctc aag aaa cgg gtc ggc gac 1056 Ser Pro Pro Pro Thr Tyr Tyr Gln Asn Leu Lys Lys Arg Val Gly Asp 340 345 350 gtg ctc agc gat gat cag atc aag gag tgt gag gaa tta ggg att ctt 1104 Val Leu Ser Asp Asp Gln Ile Lys Glu Cys Glu Glu Leu Gly Ile Leu 355 360 365 gta gac aga gat gat caa ggg acg ttg ctt caa atc ttc aca aaa cca 1152 Val Asp Arg Asp Asp Gln Gly Thr Leu Leu Gln Ile Phe Thr Lys Pro 370 375 380 cta ggt gac agg ccg acg ata ttt ata gag ata atc cag aga gta gga 1200 Leu Gly Asp Arg Pro Thr Ile Phe Ile Glu Ile Ile Gln Arg Val Gly 385 390 395 400 tgc atg atg aaa gat gag gaa ggg aag gct tac cag agt gga gga tgt 1248 Cys Met Met Lys Asp Glu Glu Gly Lys Ala Tyr Gln Ser Gly Gly Cys 405 410 415 ggt ggt ttt ggc aaa ggc aat ttc tct gag ctc ttc aag tcc att gaa 1296 Gly Gly Phe Gly Lys Gly Asn Phe Ser Glu Leu Phe Lys Ser Ile Glu 420 425 430 gaa tac gaa aag act ctt gaa gcc aaa cag tta gtg gga tga 1338 Glu Tyr Glu Lys Thr Leu Glu Ala Lys Gln Leu Val Gly 435 440 445 14 445 PRT Arabidopsis thaliana 14 Met Gly His Gln Asn Ala Ala Val Ser Glu Asn Gln Asn His Asp Asp 1 5 10 15 Gly Ala Ala Ser Ser Pro Gly Phe Lys Leu Val Gly Phe Ser Lys Phe 20 25 30 Val Arg Lys Asn Pro Lys Ser Asp Lys Phe Lys Val Lys Arg Phe His 35 40 45 His Ile Glu Phe Trp Cys Gly Asp Ala Thr Asn Val Ala Arg Arg Phe 50 55 60 Ser Trp Gly Leu Gly Met Arg Phe Ser Ala Lys Ser Asp Leu Ser Thr 65 70 75 80 Gly Asn Met Val His Ala Ser Tyr Leu Leu Thr Ser Gly Asp Leu Arg 85 90 95 Phe Leu Phe Thr Ala Pro Tyr Ser Pro Ser Leu Ser Ala Gly Glu Ile 100 105 110 Lys Pro Thr Thr Thr Ala Ser Ile Pro Ser Phe Asp His Gly Ser Cys 115 120 125 Arg Ser Phe Phe Ser Ser His Gly Leu Gly Val Arg Ala Val Ala Ile 130 135 140 Glu Val Glu Asp Ala Glu Ser Ala Phe Ser Ile Ser Val Ala Asn Gly 145 150 155 160 Ala Ile Pro Ser Ser Pro Pro Ile Val Leu Asn Glu Ala Val Thr Ile 165 170 175 Ala Glu Val Lys Leu Tyr Gly Asp Val Val Leu Arg Tyr Val Ser Tyr 180 185 190 Lys Ala Glu Asp Thr Glu Lys Ser Glu Phe Leu Pro Gly Phe Glu Arg 195 200 205 Val Glu Asp Ala Ser Ser Phe Pro Leu Asp Tyr Gly Ile Arg Arg Leu 210 215 220 Asp His Ala Val Gly Asn Val Pro Glu Leu Gly Pro Ala Leu Thr Tyr 225 230 235 240 Val Ala Gly Phe Thr Gly Phe His Gln Phe Ala Glu Phe Thr Ala Asp 245 250 255 Asp Val Gly Thr Ala Glu Ser Gly Leu Asn Ser Ala Val Leu Ala Ser 260 265 270 Asn Asp Glu Met Val Leu Leu Pro Ile Asn Glu Pro Val His Gly Thr 275 280 285 Lys Arg Lys Ser Gln Ile Gln Thr Tyr Leu Glu His Asn Glu Gly Ala 290 295 300 Gly Leu Gln His Leu Ala Leu Met Ser Glu Asp Ile Phe Arg Thr Leu 305 310 315 320 Arg Glu Met Arg Lys Arg Ser Ser Ile Gly Gly Phe Asp Phe Met Pro 325 330 335 Ser Pro Pro Pro Thr Tyr Tyr Gln Asn Leu Lys Lys Arg Val Gly Asp 340 345 350 Val Leu Ser Asp Asp Gln Ile Lys Glu Cys Glu Glu Leu Gly Ile Leu 355 360 365 Val Asp Arg Asp Asp Gln Gly Thr Leu Leu Gln Ile Phe Thr Lys Pro 370 375 380 Leu Gly Asp Arg Pro Thr Ile Phe Ile Glu Ile Ile Gln Arg Val Gly 385 390 395 400 Cys Met Met Lys Asp Glu Glu Gly Lys Ala Tyr Gln Ser Gly Gly Cys 405 410 415 Gly Gly Phe Gly Lys Gly Asn Phe Ser Glu Leu Phe Lys Ser Ile Glu 420 425 430 Glu Tyr Glu Lys Thr Leu Glu Ala Lys Gln Leu Val Gly 435 440 445 15 1182 DNA Arabidopsis thaliana CDS (1)..(1182) 15 atg gag tct ctg ctc tct agt tct tct ctt gtt tcc gct gct ggt ggg 48 Met Glu Ser Leu Leu Ser Ser Ser Ser Leu Val Ser Ala Ala Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 ttt tgt tgg aag aag cag aat cta aag ctc cac tct tta tca gaa atc 96 Phe Cys Trp Lys Lys Gln Asn Leu Lys Leu His Ser Leu Ser Glu Ile 20 25 30 cga gtt ctg cgt tgt gat tcg agt aaa gtt gtc gca aaa ccg aag ttt 144 Arg Val Leu Arg Cys Asp Ser Ser Lys Val Val Ala Lys Pro Lys Phe 35 40 45 agg aac aat ctt gtt agg cct gat ggt caa gga tct tca ttg ttg ttg 192 Arg Asn Asn Leu Val Arg Pro Asp Gly Gln Gly Ser Ser Leu Leu Leu 50 55 60 tat cca aaa cat aag tcg aga ttt cgg gtt aat gcc act gcg ggt cag 240 Tyr Pro Lys His Lys Ser Arg Phe Arg Val Asn Ala Thr Ala Gly Gln 65 70 75 80 ccc gag gct ttc gac tcg aat agc aaa cag aag tct ttt aga gac tcg 288 Pro Glu Ala Phe Asp Ser Asn Ser Lys Gln Lys Ser Phe Arg Asp Ser 85 90 95 tta gat gcg ttt tac agg ttt tct agg cct cat aca gtt att ggc aca 336 Leu Asp Ala Phe Tyr Arg Phe Ser Arg Pro His Thr Val Ile Gly Thr 100 105 110 gtg ctt agc att tta tct gta tct ttc tta gca gta gag aag gtt tct 384 Val Leu Ser Ile Leu Ser Val Ser Phe Leu Ala Val Glu Lys Val Ser 115 120 125 gat ata tct cct tta ctt ttc act ggc atc ttg gag gct gtt gtt gca 432 Asp Ile Ser Pro Leu Leu Phe Thr Gly Ile Leu Glu Ala Val Val Ala 130 135 140 gct ctc atg atg aac att tac ata gtt ggg cta aat cag ttg tct gat 480 Ala Leu Met Met Asn Ile Tyr Ile Val Gly Leu Asn Gln Leu Ser Asp 145 150 155 160 gtt gaa ata gat aag gtt aac aag ccc tat ctt cca ttg gca tca gga 528 Val Glu Ile Asp Lys Val Asn Lys Pro Tyr Leu Pro Leu Ala Ser Gly 165 170 175 gaa tat tct gtt aac acc ggc att gca ata gta gct tcc ttc tcc atc 576 Glu Tyr Ser Val Asn Thr Gly Ile Ala Ile Val Ala Ser Phe Ser Ile 180 185 190 atg agt ttc tgg ctt ggg tgg att gtt ggt tca tgg cca ttg ttc tgg 624 Met Ser Phe Trp Leu Gly Trp Ile Val Gly Ser Trp Pro Leu Phe Trp 195 200 205 gct ctt ttt gtg agt ttc atg ctc ggt act gca tac tct atc aat ttg 672 Ala Leu Phe Val Ser Phe Met Leu Gly Thr Ala Tyr Ser Ile Asn Leu 210 215 220 cca ctt tta cgg tgg aaa aga ttt gca ttg gtt gca gca atg tgt atc 720 Pro Leu Leu Arg Trp Lys Arg Phe Ala Leu Val Ala Ala Met Cys Ile 225 230 235 240 ctc gct gtc cga gct att att gtt caa atc gcc ttt tat cta cat att 768 Leu Ala Val Arg Ala Ile Ile Val Gln Ile Ala Phe Tyr Leu His Ile 245 250 255 cag aca cat gtg ttt gga aga cca atc ttg ttc act agg cct ctt att 816 Gln Thr His Val Phe Gly Arg Pro Ile Leu Phe Thr Arg Pro Leu Ile 260 265 270 ttc gcc act gcg ttt atg agc ttt ttc tct gtc gtt att gca ttg ttt 864 Phe Ala Thr Ala Phe Met Ser Phe Phe Ser Val Val Ile Ala Leu Phe 275 280 285 aag gat ata cct gat atc gaa ggg gat aag ata ttc gga atc cga tca 912 Lys Asp Ile Pro Asp Ile Glu Gly Asp Lys Ile Phe Gly Ile Arg Ser 290 295 300 ttc tct gta act ctg ggt cag aaa cgg gtg ttt tgg aca tgt gtt aca 960 Phe Ser Val Thr Leu Gly Gln Lys Arg Val Phe Trp Thr Cys Val Thr 305 310 315 320 cta ctt caa atg gct tac gct gtt gca att cta gtt gga gcc aca tct 1008 Leu Leu Gln Met Ala Tyr Ala Val Ala Ile Leu Val Gly Ala Thr Ser 325 330 335 cca ttc ata tgg agc aaa gtc atc tcg gtt gtg ggt cat gtt ata ctc 1056 Pro Phe Ile Trp Ser Lys Val Ile Ser Val Val Gly His Val Ile Leu 340 345 350 gca aca act ttg tgg gct cga gct aag tcc gtt gat ctg agt agc aaa 1104 Ala Thr Thr Leu Trp Ala Arg Ala Lys Ser Val Asp Leu Ser Ser Lys 355 360 365 acc gaa ata act tca tgt tat atg ttc ata tgg aag ctc ttt tat gca 1152 Thr Glu Ile Thr Ser Cys Tyr Met Phe Ile Trp Lys Leu Phe Tyr Ala 370 375 380 gag tac ttg ctg tta cct ttt ttg aag tga 1182 Glu Tyr Leu Leu Leu Pro Phe Leu Lys 385 390 16 393 PRT Arabidopsis thaliana 16 Met Glu Ser Leu Leu Ser Ser Ser Ser Leu Val Ser Ala Ala Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Phe Cys Trp Lys Lys Gln Asn Leu Lys Leu His Ser Leu Ser Glu Ile 20 25 30 Arg Val Leu Arg Cys Asp Ser Ser Lys Val Val Ala Lys Pro Lys Phe 35 40 45 Arg Asn Asn Leu Val Arg Pro Asp Gly Gln Gly Ser Ser Leu Leu Leu 50 55 60 Tyr Pro Lys His Lys Ser Arg Phe Arg Val Asn Ala Thr Ala Gly Gln 65 70 75 80 Pro Glu Ala Phe Asp Ser Asn Ser Lys Gln Lys Ser Phe Arg Asp Ser 85 90 95 Leu Asp Ala Phe Tyr Arg Phe Ser Arg Pro His Thr Val Ile Gly Thr 100 105 110 Val Leu Ser Ile Leu Ser Val Ser Phe Leu Ala Val Glu Lys Val Ser 115 120 125 Asp Ile Ser Pro Leu Leu Phe Thr Gly Ile Leu Glu Ala Val Val Ala 130 135 140 Ala Leu Met Met Asn Ile Tyr Ile Val Gly Leu Asn Gln Leu Ser Asp 145 150 155 160 Val Glu Ile Asp Lys Val Asn Lys Pro Tyr Leu Pro Leu Ala Ser Gly 165 170 175 Glu Tyr Ser Val Asn Thr Gly Ile Ala Ile Val Ala Ser Phe Ser Ile 180 185 190 Met Ser Phe Trp Leu Gly Trp Ile Val Gly Ser Trp Pro Leu Phe Trp 195 200 205 Ala Leu Phe Val Ser Phe Met Leu Gly Thr Ala Tyr Ser Ile Asn Leu 210 215 220 Pro Leu Leu Arg Trp Lys Arg Phe Ala Leu Val Ala Ala Met Cys Ile 225 230 235 240 Leu Ala Val Arg Ala Ile Ile Val Gln Ile Ala Phe Tyr Leu His Ile 245 250 255 Gln Thr His Val Phe Gly Arg Pro Ile Leu Phe Thr Arg Pro Leu Ile 260 265 270 Phe Ala Thr Ala Phe Met Ser Phe Phe Ser Val Val Ile Ala Leu Phe 275 280 285 Lys Asp Ile Pro Asp Ile Glu Gly Asp Lys Ile Phe Gly Ile Arg Ser 290 295 300 Phe Ser Val Thr Leu Gly Gln Lys Arg Val Phe Trp Thr Cys Val Thr 305 310 315 320 Leu Leu Gln Met Ala Tyr Ala Val Ala Ile Leu Val Gly Ala Thr Ser 325 330 335 Pro Phe Ile Trp Ser Lys Val Ile Ser Val Val Gly His Val Ile Leu 340 345 350 Ala Thr Thr Leu Trp Ala Arg Ala Lys Ser Val Asp Leu Ser Ser Lys 355 360 365 Thr Glu Ile Thr Ser Cys Tyr Met Phe Ile Trp Lys Leu Phe Tyr Ala 370 375 380 Glu Tyr Leu Leu Leu Pro Phe Leu Lys 385 390 17 1509 DNA Nicotiana tabacum CDS (1)..(1395) 17 atg gct tcc att gct ctc aaa act ttc acc ggc ctc cgt caa tcc tcg 48 Met Ala Ser Ile Ala Leu Lys Thr Phe Thr Gly Leu Arg Gln Ser Ser 1 5 10 15 ccg gaa aac aat tcc att act ctt tct aaa tcc ctc ccc ttc acc caa 96 Pro Glu Asn Asn Ser Ile Thr Leu Ser Lys Ser Leu Pro Phe Thr Gln 20 25 30 acc cac cgt agg ctc cga atc aat gct tcc aaa tcc agc cca aga gtc 144 Thr His Arg Arg Leu Arg Ile Asn Ala Ser Lys Ser Ser Pro Arg Val 35 40 45 aac ggc cgc aat ctt cgt gtt gcg gtg gtg ggc ggt ggt cct gct ggt 192 Asn Gly Arg Asn Leu Arg Val Ala Val Val Gly Gly Gly Pro Ala Gly 50 55 60 ggc gcc gcc gct gaa aca ctc gcc aag gga gga att gaa acc ttc tta 240 Gly Ala Ala Ala Glu Thr Leu Ala Lys Gly Gly Ile Glu Thr Phe Leu 65 70 75 80 atc gaa cgc aaa atg gac aac tgc aaa ccc tgc ggt ggg gcc atc cca 288 Ile Glu Arg Lys Met Asp Asn Cys Lys Pro Cys Gly Gly Ala Ile Pro 85 90 95 ctt tgc atg gtg gga gaa ttt gac ctc cct ttg gat atc att gac cgg 336 Leu Cys Met Val Gly Glu Phe Asp Leu Pro Leu Asp Ile Ile Asp Arg 100 105 110 aaa gtt aca aag atg aag atg att tcc cca tcc aac gtt gct gtt gat 384 Lys Val Thr Lys Met Lys Met Ile Ser Pro Ser Asn Val Ala Val Asp 115 120 125 att ggt cag act tta aag cct cac gag tac atc ggt atg gtg cgc cgc 432 Ile Gly Gln Thr Leu Lys Pro His Glu Tyr Ile Gly Met Val Arg Arg 130 135 140 gaa gta ctc gat gct tac ctc cgt gac cgc gct gct gaa gcc gga gcc 480 Glu Val Leu Asp Ala Tyr Leu Arg Asp Arg Ala Ala Glu Ala Gly Ala 145 150 155 160 tct gtt ctc aac ggc ttg ttc ctc aaa atg gac atg ccc aaa gct ccc 528 Ser Val Leu Asn Gly Leu Phe Leu Lys Met Asp Met Pro Lys Ala Pro 165 170 175 aac gca cct tac gtc ctt cac tac aca gct tac gac tcc aaa act aat 576 Asn Ala Pro Tyr Val Leu His Tyr Thr Ala Tyr Asp Ser Lys Thr Asn 180 185 190 ggc gcg ggg gag aag cgt acc ctg gaa gtt gac gcc gtt atc ggc gct 624 Gly Ala Gly Glu Lys Arg Thr Leu Glu Val Asp Ala Val Ile Gly Ala 195 200 205 gac ggt gca aat tcc cgt gtc gca aaa tcc ata aac gcc ggt gac tac 672 Asp Gly Ala Asn Ser Arg Val Ala Lys Ser Ile Asn Ala Gly Asp Tyr 210 215 220 gag tac gct att gca ttc caa gaa agg att aaa att tcc gat gat aaa 720 Glu Tyr Ala Ile Ala Phe Gln Glu Arg Ile Lys Ile Ser Asp Asp Lys 225 230 235 240 atg aag tat tac gag aat tta gct gaa atg tac gtg ggt gat gac gtg 768 Met Lys Tyr Tyr Glu Asn Leu Ala Glu Met Tyr Val Gly Asp Asp Val 245 250 255 tcc cct gat ttt tac ggg tgg gtt ttc ccc aaa tgt gac cac gtt gcc 816 Ser Pro Asp Phe Tyr Gly Trp Val Phe Pro Lys Cys Asp His Val Ala 260 265 270 gtt ggc act ggc aca gtc acc cac aaa gct gac atc aaa aaa ttc cag 864 Val Gly Thr Gly Thr Val Thr His Lys Ala Asp Ile Lys Lys Phe Gln 275 280 285 cta gct aca aga ttg aga gct gat tcc aaa atc acc ggc gga aaa att 912 Leu Ala Thr Arg Leu Arg Ala Asp Ser Lys Ile Thr Gly Gly Lys Ile 290 295 300 atc cgg gtc gag gcc cac ccg att cca gaa cac cca aga ccc aga aga 960 Ile Arg Val Glu Ala His Pro Ile Pro Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg 305 310 315 320 tta caa gac aga gtt gca ttg gtt ggt gat gcg gca ggg tac gtg acc 1008 Leu Gln Asp Arg Val Ala Leu Val Gly Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr 325 330 335 aaa tgt tcg ggc gaa ggg att tac ttc gcg gca aag agt gga cgt atg 1056 Lys Cys Ser Gly Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met 340 345 350 tgt gct gaa gca att gtt gaa ggg tca gaa atg gga aaa aga atg gtg 1104 Cys Ala Glu Ala Ile Val Glu Gly Ser Glu Met Gly Lys Arg Met Val 355 360 365 gac gag agt gat ttg agg aag tat ttg gag aaa tgg gac aag act tat 1152 Asp Glu Ser Asp Leu Arg Lys Tyr Leu Glu Lys Trp Asp Lys Thr Tyr 370 375 380 tgg cca acg tac aag gtg ctt gat ata ttg cag aag gta ttt tac agg 1200 Trp Pro Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg 385 390 395 400 tcg aat ccg gcg agg gaa gca ttt gtt gaa atg tgc gca gat gag tat 1248 Ser Asn Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Glu Tyr 405 410 415 gtg cag aag atg aca ttt gac agc tat ttg tac aag aaa gta gca cca 1296 Val Gln Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Lys Val Ala Pro 420 425 430 gga aac cca att gaa gac ttg aag ctt gct gtg aat acc att gga agt 1344 Gly Asn Pro Ile Glu Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser 435 440 445 ttg gtg aga gct aat gca cta aga agg gaa atg gac aag ctc agt gta 1392 Leu Val Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Arg Glu Met Asp Lys Leu Ser Val 450 455 460 taa gaagattaac agcattaata ttttcttgta attgaaggat ttatttctca 1445 aattactctg taaacacctt tcatcctgcc tttaatcgga tttatgtaac ttcataattt 1505 gagc 1509 18 464 PRT Nicotiana tabacum 18 Met Ala Ser Ile Ala Leu Lys Thr Phe Thr Gly Leu Arg Gln Ser Ser 1 5 10 15 Pro Glu Asn Asn Ser Ile Thr Leu Ser Lys Ser Leu Pro Phe Thr Gln 20 25 30 Thr His Arg Arg Leu Arg Ile Asn Ala Ser Lys Ser Ser Pro Arg Val 35 40 45 Asn Gly Arg Asn Leu Arg Val Ala Val Val Gly Gly Gly Pro Ala Gly 50 55 60 Gly Ala Ala Ala Glu Thr Leu Ala Lys Gly Gly Ile Glu Thr Phe Leu 65 70 75 80 Ile Glu Arg Lys Met Asp Asn Cys Lys Pro Cys Gly Gly Ala Ile Pro 85 90 95 Leu Cys Met Val Gly Glu Phe Asp Leu Pro Leu Asp Ile Ile Asp Arg 100 105 110 Lys Val Thr Lys Met Lys Met Ile Ser Pro Ser Asn Val Ala Val Asp 115 120 125 Ile Gly Gln Thr Leu Lys Pro His Glu Tyr Ile Gly Met Val Arg Arg 130 135 140 Glu Val Leu Asp Ala Tyr Leu Arg Asp Arg Ala Ala Glu Ala Gly Ala 145 150 155 160 Ser Val Leu Asn Gly Leu Phe Leu Lys Met Asp Met Pro Lys Ala Pro 165 170 175 Asn Ala Pro Tyr Val Leu His Tyr Thr Ala Tyr Asp Ser Lys Thr Asn 180 185 190 Gly Ala Gly Glu Lys Arg Thr Leu Glu Val Asp Ala Val Ile Gly Ala 195 200 205 Asp Gly Ala Asn Ser Arg Val Ala Lys Ser Ile Asn Ala Gly Asp Tyr 210 215 220 Glu Tyr Ala Ile Ala Phe Gln Glu Arg Ile Lys Ile Ser Asp Asp Lys 225 230 235 240 Met Lys Tyr Tyr Glu Asn Leu Ala Glu Met Tyr Val Gly Asp Asp Val 245 250 255 Ser Pro Asp Phe Tyr Gly Trp Val Phe Pro Lys Cys Asp His Val Ala 260 265 270 Val Gly Thr Gly Thr Val Thr His Lys Ala Asp Ile Lys Lys Phe Gln 275 280 285 Leu Ala Thr Arg Leu Arg Ala Asp Ser Lys Ile Thr Gly Gly Lys Ile 290 295 300 Ile Arg Val Glu Ala His Pro Ile Pro Glu His Pro Arg Pro Arg Arg 305 310 315 320 Leu Gln Asp Arg Val Ala Leu Val Gly Asp Ala Ala Gly Tyr Val Thr 325 330 335 Lys Cys Ser Gly Glu Gly Ile Tyr Phe Ala Ala Lys Ser Gly Arg Met 340 345 350 Cys Ala Glu Ala Ile Val Glu Gly Ser Glu Met Gly Lys Arg Met Val 355 360 365 Asp Glu Ser Asp Leu Arg Lys Tyr Leu Glu Lys Trp Asp Lys Thr Tyr 370 375 380 Trp Pro Thr Tyr Lys Val Leu Asp Ile Leu Gln Lys Val Phe Tyr Arg 385 390 395 400 Ser Asn Pro Ala Arg Glu Ala Phe Val Glu Met Cys Ala Asp Glu Tyr 405 410 415 Val Gln Lys Met Thr Phe Asp Ser Tyr Leu Tyr Lys Lys Val Ala Pro 420 425 430 Gly Asn Pro Ile Glu Asp Leu Lys Leu Ala Val Asn Thr Ile Gly Ser 435 440 445 Leu Val Arg Ala Asn Ala Leu Arg Arg Glu Met Asp Lys Leu Ser Val 450 455 460 19 957 DNA Synechocystis PCC6803 CDS (1)..(957) 19 atg ccc gag tat ttg ctt ctg ccc gct ggc cta att tcc ctc tcc ctg 48 Met Pro Glu Tyr Leu Leu Leu Pro Ala Gly Leu Ile Ser Leu Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 gcg atc gcc gct gga ctg tat ctc cta act gcc cgg ggc tat cag tca 96 Ala Ile Ala Ala Gly Leu Tyr Leu Leu Thr Ala Arg Gly Tyr Gln Ser 20 25 30 tcg gat tcc gtg gcc aac gcc tac gac caa tgg aca gag gac ggc att 144 Ser Asp Ser Val Ala Asn Ala Tyr Asp Gln Trp Thr Glu Asp Gly Ile 35 40 45 ttg gaa tat tac tgg ggc gac cat atc cac ctc ggc cat tat ggc gat 192 Leu Glu Tyr Tyr Trp Gly Asp His Ile His Leu Gly His Tyr Gly Asp 50 55 60 ccg cca gtg gcc aag gat ttc atc caa tcg aaa att gat ttt gtc cat 240 Pro Pro Val Ala Lys Asp Phe Ile Gln Ser Lys Ile Asp Phe Val His 65 70 75 80 gcc atg gcc cag tgg ggc gga tta gat aca ctt ccc ccc ggc aca acg 288 Ala Met Ala Gln Trp Gly Gly Leu Asp Thr Leu Pro Pro Gly Thr Thr 85 90 95 gta ttg gat gtg ggt tgc ggc att ggc ggt agc agt cgc att ctc gcc 336 Val Leu Asp Val Gly Cys Gly Ile Gly Gly Ser Ser Arg Ile Leu Ala 100 105 110 aaa gat tat ggt ttt aac gtt acc ggc atc acc att agt ccc caa cag 384 Lys Asp Tyr Gly Phe Asn Val Thr Gly Ile Thr Ile Ser Pro Gln Gln 115 120 125 gtg aaa cgg gcg acg gaa tta act cct ccc gat gtg acg gcc aag ttt 432 Val Lys Arg Ala Thr Glu Leu Thr Pro Pro Asp Val Thr Ala Lys Phe 130 135 140 gcg gtg gac gat gct atg gct ttg tct ttt cct gac ggt agt ttc gac 480 Ala Val Asp Asp Ala Met Ala Leu Ser Phe Pro Asp Gly Ser Phe Asp 145 150 155 160 gta gtt tgg tcg gtg gaa gca ggg ccc cac atg cct gac aaa gct gtg 528 Val Val Trp Ser Val Glu Ala Gly Pro His Met Pro Asp Lys Ala Val 165 170 175 ttt gcc aag gaa tta ctg cgg gtc gtg aaa cca ggg ggc att ctg gtg 576 Phe Ala Lys Glu Leu Leu Arg Val Val Lys Pro Gly Gly Ile Leu Val 180 185 190 gtg gcg gat tgg aat caa cgg gac gat cgc caa gtg ccc ctc aac ttc 624 Val Ala Asp Trp Asn Gln Arg Asp Asp Arg Gln Val Pro Leu Asn Phe 195 200 205 tgg gaa aaa cca gtg atg cga caa ctg ttg gat caa tgg tcc cac cct 672 Trp Glu Lys Pro Val Met Arg Gln Leu Leu Asp Gln Trp Ser His Pro 210 215 220 gcc ttt gcc agc att gaa ggt ttt gcg gaa aat ttg gaa gcc acg ggt 720 Ala Phe Ala Ser Ile Glu Gly Phe Ala Glu Asn Leu Glu Ala Thr Gly 225 230 235 240 ttg gtg gag ggc cag gtg act act gct gat tgg act gta ccg acc ctc 768 Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Val Thr Thr Ala Asp Trp Thr Val Pro Thr Leu 245 250 255 ccc gct tgg ttg gat acc att tgg cag ggc att atc cgg ccc cag ggc 816 Pro Ala Trp Leu Asp Thr Ile Trp Gln Gly Ile Ile Arg Pro Gln Gly 260 265 270 tgg tta caa tac ggc att cgt ggg ttt atc aaa tcc gtg cgg gaa gta 864 Trp Leu Gln Tyr Gly Ile Arg Gly Phe Ile Lys Ser Val Arg Glu Val 275 280 285 ccg act att tta ttg atg cgc ctt gcc ttt ggg gta gga ctt tgt cgc 912 Pro Thr Ile Leu Leu Met Arg Leu Ala Phe Gly Val Gly Leu Cys Arg 290 295 300 ttc ggt atg ttc aaa gca gtg cga aaa aac gcc act caa gct taa 957 Phe Gly Met Phe Lys Ala Val Arg Lys Asn Ala Thr Gln Ala 305 310 315 20 318 PRT Synechocystis PCC6803 20 Met Pro Glu Tyr Leu Leu Leu Pro Ala Gly Leu Ile Ser Leu Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 Ala Ile Ala Ala Gly Leu Tyr Leu Leu Thr Ala Arg Gly Tyr Gln Ser 20 25 30 Ser Asp Ser Val Ala Asn Ala Tyr Asp Gln Trp Thr Glu Asp Gly Ile 35 40 45 Leu Glu Tyr Tyr Trp Gly Asp His Ile His Leu Gly His Tyr Gly Asp 50 55 60 Pro Pro Val Ala Lys Asp Phe Ile Gln Ser Lys Ile Asp Phe Val His 65 70 75 80 Ala Met Ala Gln Trp Gly Gly Leu Asp Thr Leu Pro Pro Gly Thr Thr 85 90 95 Val Leu Asp Val Gly Cys Gly Ile Gly Gly Ser Ser Arg Ile Leu Ala 100 105 110 Lys Asp Tyr Gly Phe Asn Val Thr Gly Ile Thr Ile Ser Pro Gln Gln 115 120 125 Val Lys Arg Ala Thr Glu Leu Thr Pro Pro Asp Val Thr Ala Lys Phe 130 135 140 Ala Val Asp Asp Ala Met Ala Leu Ser Phe Pro Asp Gly Ser Phe Asp 145 150 155 160 Val Val Trp Ser Val Glu Ala Gly Pro His Met Pro Asp Lys Ala Val 165 170 175 Phe Ala Lys Glu Leu Leu Arg Val Val Lys Pro Gly Gly Ile Leu Val 180 185 190 Val Ala Asp Trp Asn Gln Arg Asp Asp Arg Gln Val Pro Leu Asn Phe 195 200 205 Trp Glu Lys Pro Val Met Arg Gln Leu Leu Asp Gln Trp Ser His Pro 210 215 220 Ala Phe Ala Ser Ile Glu Gly Phe Ala Glu Asn Leu Glu Ala Thr Gly 225 230 235 240 Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Val Thr Thr Ala Asp Trp Thr Val Pro Thr Leu 245 250 255 Pro Ala Trp Leu Asp Thr Ile Trp Gln Gly Ile Ile Arg Pro Gln Gly 260 265 270 Trp Leu Gln Tyr Gly Ile Arg Gly Phe Ile Lys Ser Val Arg Glu Val 275 280 285 Pro Thr Ile Leu Leu Met Arg Leu Ala Phe Gly Val Gly Leu Cys Arg 290 295 300 Phe Gly Met Phe Lys Ala Val Arg Lys Asn Ala Thr Gln Ala 305 310 315 21 1100 DNA Synechocystis PCC6803 CDS (1)..(1092) 21 atg aaa ttt ccg ccc cac agt ggt tac cat tgg caa ggt caa tca cct 48 Met Lys Phe Pro Pro His Ser Gly Tyr His Trp Gln Gly Gln Ser Pro 1 5 10 15 ttc ttt gaa ggt tgg tac gtg cgc ctg ctt ttg ccc caa tcc ggg gaa 96 Phe Phe Glu Gly Trp Tyr Val Arg Leu Leu Leu Pro Gln Ser Gly Glu 20 25 30 agt ttt gct ttt atg tac tcc atc gaa aat cct gct agc gat cat cat 144 Ser Phe Ala Phe Met Tyr Ser Ile Glu Asn Pro Ala Ser Asp His His 35 40 45 tac ggc ggc ggt gct gtg caa att tta ggg ccg gct acg aaa aaa caa 192 Tyr Gly Gly Gly Ala Val Gln Ile Leu Gly Pro Ala Thr Lys Lys Gln 50 55 60 gaa aat cag gaa gac caa ctt gtt tgg cgg aca ttt ccc tcg gta aaa 240 Glu Asn Gln Glu Asp Gln Leu Val Trp Arg Thr Phe Pro Ser Val Lys 65 70 75 80 aaa ttt tgg gcc agt cct cgc cag ttt gcc cta ggg cat tgg gga aaa 288 Lys Phe Trp Ala Ser Pro Arg Gln Phe Ala Leu Gly His Trp Gly Lys 85 90 95 tgt agg gat aac agg cag gcg aaa ccc cta ctc tcc gaa gaa ttt ttt 336 Cys Arg Asp Asn Arg Gln Ala Lys Pro Leu Leu Ser Glu Glu Phe Phe 100 105 110 gcc acg gtc aag gaa ggt tat caa atc cat caa aat cag cac caa gga 384 Ala Thr Val Lys Glu Gly Tyr Gln Ile His Gln Asn Gln His Gln Gly 115 120 125 caa atc att cat ggc gat cgc cat tgt cgt tgg cag ttc acc gta gaa 432 Gln Ile Ile His Gly Asp Arg His Cys Arg Trp Gln Phe Thr Val Glu 130 135 140 ccg gaa gta act tgg ggg agt cct aac cga ttt cct cgg gct aca gcg 480 Pro Glu Val Thr Trp Gly Ser Pro Asn Arg Phe Pro Arg Ala Thr Ala 145 150 155 160 ggt tgg ctt tcc ttt tta ccc ttg ttt gat ccc ggt tgg caa att ctt 528 Gly Trp Leu Ser Phe Leu Pro Leu Phe Asp Pro Gly Trp Gln Ile Leu 165 170 175 tta gcc caa ggt aga gcg cac ggc tgg ctg aaa tgg cag agg gaa cag 576 Leu Ala Gln Gly Arg Ala His Gly Trp Leu Lys Trp Gln Arg Glu Gln 180 185 190 tat gaa ttt gac cac gcc cta gtt tat gcc gaa aaa aat tgg ggt cac 624 Tyr Glu Phe Asp His Ala Leu Val Tyr Ala Glu Lys Asn Trp Gly His 195 200 205 tcc ttt ccc tcc cgc tgg ttt tgg ctc caa gca aat tat ttt cct gac 672 Ser Phe Pro Ser Arg Trp Phe Trp Leu Gln Ala Asn Tyr Phe Pro Asp 210 215 220 cat cca gga ctg agc gtc act gcc gct ggc ggg gaa cgg att gtt ctt 720 His Pro Gly Leu Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Gly Gly Glu Arg Ile Val Leu 225 230 235 240 ggt cgc ccc gaa gag gta gct tta att ggc tta cat cac caa ggt aat 768 Gly Arg Pro Glu Glu Val Ala Leu Ile Gly Leu His His Gln Gly Asn 245 250 255 ttt tac gaa ttt ggc ccg ggc cat ggc aca gtc act tgg caa gta gct 816 Phe Tyr Glu Phe Gly Pro Gly His Gly Thr Val Thr Trp Gln Val Ala 260 265 270 ccc tgg ggc cgt tgg caa tta aaa gcc agc aat gat agg tat tgg gtc 864 Pro Trp Gly Arg Trp Gln Leu Lys Ala Ser Asn Asp Arg Tyr Trp Val 275 280 285 aag ttg tcc gga aaa aca gat aaa aaa ggc agt tta gtc cac act ccc 912 Lys Leu Ser Gly Lys Thr Asp Lys Lys Gly Ser Leu Val His Thr Pro 290 295 300 acc gcc cag ggc tta caa ctc aac tgc cga gat acc act agg ggc tat 960 Thr Ala Gln Gly Leu Gln Leu Asn Cys Arg Asp Thr Thr Arg Gly Tyr 305 310 315 320 ttg tat ttg caa ttg gga tct gtg ggt cac ggc ctg ata gtg caa ggg 1008 Leu Tyr Leu Gln Leu Gly Ser Val Gly His Gly Leu Ile Val Gln Gly 325 330 335 gaa acg gac acc gcg ggg cta gaa gtt gga ggt gat tgg ggt tta aca 1056 Glu Thr Asp Thr Ala Gly Leu Glu Val Gly Gly Asp Trp Gly Leu Thr 340 345 350 gag gaa aat ttg agc aaa aaa aca gtg cca ttc tga gggaataa 1100 Glu Glu Asn Leu Ser Lys Lys Thr Val Pro Phe 355 360 22 363 PRT Synechocystis PCC6803 22 Met Lys Phe Pro Pro His Ser Gly Tyr His Trp Gln Gly Gln Ser Pro 1 5 10 15 Phe Phe Glu Gly Trp Tyr Val Arg Leu Leu Leu Pro Gln Ser Gly Glu 20 25 30 Ser Phe Ala Phe Met Tyr Ser Ile Glu Asn Pro Ala Ser Asp His His 35 40 45 Tyr Gly Gly Gly Ala Val Gln Ile Leu Gly Pro Ala Thr Lys Lys Gln 50 55 60 Glu Asn Gln Glu Asp Gln Leu Val Trp Arg Thr Phe Pro Ser Val Lys 65 70 75 80 Lys Phe Trp Ala Ser Pro Arg Gln Phe Ala Leu Gly His Trp Gly Lys 85 90 95 Cys Arg Asp Asn Arg Gln Ala Lys Pro Leu Leu Ser Glu Glu Phe Phe 100 105 110 Ala Thr Val Lys Glu Gly Tyr Gln Ile His Gln Asn Gln His Gln Gly 115 120 125 Gln Ile Ile His Gly Asp Arg His Cys Arg Trp Gln Phe Thr Val Glu 130 135 140 Pro Glu Val Thr Trp Gly Ser Pro Asn Arg Phe Pro Arg Ala Thr Ala 145 150 155 160 Gly Trp Leu Ser Phe Leu Pro Leu Phe Asp Pro Gly Trp Gln Ile Leu 165 170 175 Leu Ala Gln Gly Arg Ala His Gly Trp Leu Lys Trp Gln Arg Glu Gln 180 185 190 Tyr Glu Phe Asp His Ala Leu Val Tyr Ala Glu Lys Asn Trp Gly His 195 200 205 Ser Phe Pro Ser Arg Trp Phe Trp Leu Gln Ala Asn Tyr Phe Pro Asp 210 215 220 His Pro Gly Leu Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Gly Gly Glu Arg Ile Val Leu 225 230 235 240 Gly Arg Pro Glu Glu Val Ala Leu Ile Gly Leu His His Gln Gly Asn 245 250 255 Phe Tyr Glu Phe Gly Pro Gly His Gly Thr Val Thr Trp Gln Val Ala 260 265 270 Pro Trp Gly Arg Trp Gln Leu Lys Ala Ser Asn Asp Arg Tyr Trp Val 275 280 285 Lys Leu Ser Gly Lys Thr Asp Lys Lys Gly Ser Leu Val His Thr Pro 290 295 300 Thr Ala Gln Gly Leu Gln Leu Asn Cys Arg Asp Thr Thr Arg Gly Tyr 305 310 315 320 Leu Tyr Leu Gln Leu Gly Ser Val Gly His Gly Leu Ile Val Gln Gly 325 330 335 Glu Thr Asp Thr Ala Gly Leu Glu Val Gly Gly Asp Trp Gly Leu Thr 340 345 350 Glu Glu Asn Leu Ser Lys Lys Thr Val Pro Phe 355 360 23 1047 DNA Arabidopsis thaliana CDS (1)..(1047) 23 atg aaa gca act cta gca gca ccc tct tct ctc aca agc ctc cct tat 48 Met Lys Ala Thr Leu Ala Ala Pro Ser Ser Leu Thr Ser Leu Pro Tyr 1 5 10 15 cga acc aac tct tct ttc ggc tca aag tca tcg ctt ctc ttt cgg tct 96 Arg Thr Asn Ser Ser Phe Gly Ser Lys Ser Ser Leu Leu Phe Arg Ser 20 25 30 cca tcc tcc tcc tcc tca gtc tct atg acg aca acg cgt gga aac gtg 144 Pro Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Val Ser Met Thr Thr Thr Arg Gly Asn Val 35 40 45 gct gtg gcg gct gct gct aca tcc act gag gcg cta aga aaa gga ata 192 Ala Val Ala Ala Ala Ala Thr Ser Thr Glu Ala Leu Arg Lys Gly Ile 50 55 60 gcg gag ttc tac aat gaa act tcg ggt ttg tgg gaa gag att tgg gga 240 Ala Glu Phe Tyr Asn Glu Thr Ser Gly Leu Trp Glu Glu Ile Trp Gly 65 70 75 80 gat cat atg cat cat ggc ttt tgt gac cct gat tct tct gtt caa ctt 288 Asp His Met His His Gly Phe Cys Asp Pro Asp Ser Ser Val Gln Leu 85 90 95 tct gat tct ggt cac aag gaa gct cag atc cgt atg att gaa gag tct 336 Ser Asp Ser Gly His Lys Glu Ala Gln Ile Arg Met Ile Glu Glu Ser 100 105 110 ctc cgt ttt gcc ggt gtt act gat gaa gag gag gag aaa aag ata aag 384 Leu Arg Phe Ala Gly Val Thr Asp Glu Glu Glu Glu Lys Lys Ile Lys 115 120 125 aaa gta gtg gat gtt ggg tgt ggg att gga gga agc tca aga tat ctt 432 Lys Val Val Asp Val Gly Cys Gly Ile Gly Gly Ser Ser Arg Tyr Leu 130 135 140 gcc tct aaa ttt gga gct gaa tgc att ggc att act ctc agc cct gtt 480 Ala Ser Lys Phe Gly Ala Glu Cys Ile Gly Ile Thr Leu Ser Pro Val 145 150 155 160 cag gcc aag aga gcc aat gat ctc gcg gct gct caa tca ctc gct cat 528 Gln Ala Lys Arg Ala Asn Asp Leu Ala Ala Ala Gln Ser Leu Ala His 165 170 175 aag gct tcc ttc caa gtt gcg gat gcg ttg gat cag cca ttc gaa gat 576 Lys Ala Ser Phe Gln Val Ala Asp Ala Leu Asp Gln Pro Phe Glu Asp 180 185 190 gga aaa ttc gat ata gtg tgg tcg atg gag agt ggt gag cat atg cct 624 Gly Lys Phe Asp Ile Val Trp Ser Met Glu Ser Gly Glu His Met Pro 195 200 205 gac aag gcc aag ttt gta aaa gag ttg gta cgt gtg gcg gct cca gga 672 Asp Lys Ala Lys Phe Val Lys Glu Leu Val Arg Val Ala Ala Pro Gly 210 215 220 ggt agg ata ata ata gtg aca tgg tgc cat aga aat cta tct gcg ggg 720 Gly Arg Ile Ile Ile Val Thr Trp Cys His Arg Asn Leu Ser Ala Gly 225 230 235 240 gag gaa gct ttg cag ccg tgg gag caa aac atc ttg gac aaa atc cgt 768 Glu Glu Ala Leu Gln Pro Trp Glu Gln Asn Ile Leu Asp Lys Ile Arg 245 250 255 aag acg ttc tat ctc ccg gct tgg tgc tcc acc gat gat tat gtc aac 816 Lys Thr Phe Tyr Leu Pro Ala Trp Cys Ser Thr Asp Asp Tyr Val Asn 260 265 270 ttg ctt caa tcc cat tct ctc cag gat att aag tgt gcg gat tgg tca 864 Leu Leu Gln Ser His Ser Leu Gln Asp Ile Lys Cys Ala Asp Trp Ser 275 280 285 gag aac gta gct cct ttc tgg cct gcg gtt ata cgg act gca tta aca 912 Glu Asn Val Ala Pro Phe Trp Pro Ala Val Ile Arg Thr Ala Leu Thr 290 295 300 tgg aag ggc ctt gtg tct ctg ctt cgt agt ggt atg aaa agt att aaa 960 Trp Lys Gly Leu Val Ser Leu Leu Arg Ser Gly Met Lys Ser Ile Lys 305 310 315 320 gga gca ttg aca atg cca ttg atg att gaa ggt tac aag aaa ggt gtc 1008 Gly Ala Leu Thr Met Pro Leu Met Ile Glu Gly Tyr Lys Lys Gly Val 325 330 335 att aag ttt ggt atc atc act tgc cag aag cca ctc taa 1047 Ile Lys Phe Gly Ile Ile Thr Cys Gln Lys Pro Leu 340 345 24 348 PRT Arabidopsis thaliana 24 Met Lys Ala Thr Leu Ala Ala Pro Ser Ser Leu Thr Ser Leu Pro Tyr 1 5 10 15 Arg Thr Asn Ser Ser Phe Gly Ser Lys Ser Ser Leu Leu Phe Arg Ser 20 25 30 Pro Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Val Ser Met Thr Thr Thr Arg Gly Asn Val 35 40 45 Ala Val Ala Ala Ala Ala Thr Ser Thr Glu Ala Leu Arg Lys Gly Ile 50 55 60 Ala Glu Phe Tyr Asn Glu Thr Ser Gly Leu Trp Glu Glu Ile Trp Gly 65 70 75 80 Asp His Met His His Gly Phe Cys Asp Pro Asp Ser Ser Val Gln Leu 85 90 95 Ser Asp Ser Gly His Lys Glu Ala Gln Ile Arg Met Ile Glu Glu Ser 100 105 110 Leu Arg Phe Ala Gly Val Thr Asp Glu Glu Glu Glu Lys Lys Ile Lys 115 120 125 Lys Val Val Asp Val Gly Cys Gly Ile Gly Gly Ser Ser Arg Tyr Leu 130 135 140 Ala Ser Lys Phe Gly Ala Glu Cys Ile Gly Ile Thr Leu Ser Pro Val 145 150 155 160 Gln Ala Lys Arg Ala Asn Asp Leu Ala Ala Ala Gln Ser Leu Ala His 165 170 175 Lys Ala Ser Phe Gln Val Ala Asp Ala Leu Asp Gln Pro Phe Glu Asp 180 185 190 Gly Lys Phe Asp Ile Val Trp Ser Met Glu Ser Gly Glu His Met Pro 195 200 205 Asp Lys Ala Lys Phe Val Lys Glu Leu Val Arg Val Ala Ala Pro Gly 210 215 220 Gly Arg Ile Ile Ile Val Thr Trp Cys His Arg Asn Leu Ser Ala Gly 225 230 235 240 Glu Glu Ala Leu Gln Pro Trp Glu Gln Asn Ile Leu Asp Lys Ile Arg 245 250 255 Lys Thr Phe Tyr Leu Pro Ala Trp Cys Ser Thr Asp Asp Tyr Val Asn 260 265 270 Leu Leu Gln Ser His Ser Leu Gln Asp Ile Lys Cys Ala Asp Trp Ser 275 280 285 Glu Asn Val Ala Pro Phe Trp Pro Ala Val Ile Arg Thr Ala Leu Thr 290 295 300 Trp Lys Gly Leu Val Ser Leu Leu Arg Ser Gly Met Lys Ser Ile Lys 305 310 315 320 Gly Ala Leu Thr Met Pro Leu Met Ile Glu Gly Tyr Lys Lys Gly Val 325 330 335 Ile Lys Phe Gly Ile Ile Thr Cys Gln Lys Pro Leu 340 345 25 580 DNA Brassica napus misc_structure (1)..(580) 25 gtcgacgagc tcatggggcg aagggtcttg ctgcaccaag agattttctt gcaccaacgg 60 catggtttga ggaagggcta cggcctgact acactattgt tcagaagttt ggcggtgaac 120 tctttactgc taaacaagat ttctctccgt tcaatgtggt tgcctggcat ggcaattacg 180 tgccttataa gtatgacctg cacaagttct gtccatacaa cactgtcctt gtagaccatg 240 gagatccatc tgtaaataca gttctgacag caccaacgga taaacctggt gtggccttgc 300 ttgattttgt catattccct cctcgttggt tggttgctga gcataccttt cgacctcctt 360 actaccatcg taactgcatg agtgaattta tgggcctaat ctatggtgct tacgaggcca 420 aagctgatgg atttctacct ggtggcgcaa gtcttcacag ttgtatgaca cctcatggtc 480 cagatacaac cacatacgag gcgacgattg ctcgtgtaaa tgcaatggct ccttataagc 540 tcacaggcac catggccttc atgtttgagg taccagtact 580 26 30 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 26 gatatcatgg actcctacgt gattcagacg 30 27 29 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 27 gatatcttat ttgtcacact cctcctggc 29 28 24 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequencePrimer 28 gtcgacatgg caacccttaa gtgc 24 29 25 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 29 gtcgacttac ttaacaccat tgacg 25 30 24 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 30 gtcgacatgg cgagcaacgg agtt 24 31 25 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 31 gtcgactcag ttgacagaga cgacg 25 32 30 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 32 ggatccgatc catgagcgaa gaacaaccac 30 33 27 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 33 ggatccttac atttcgagat tattatc 27 34 27 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 34 agatctatgg agaatggagc aacgacg 27 35 31 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 35 agatctatat ggttggatat tgagtcttgg c 31 36 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 36 gcccgggcat ggcttccatt gctctc 26 37 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 37 gcccgggcgc tcaaattatg aagtta 26 38 24 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 38 ggatccatgg gccaccaaaa cgcc 24 39 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 39 gtcgactcat cccactaact gtttgg 26 40 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 40 ggatccatgg agtctctgct ctctag 26 41 32 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 41 ccatggatcc tcacttcaaa aaaggtaaca gc 32 42 31 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 42 gatatcacca tggccgctgg actgtatctc c 31 43 30 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 43 gtcgacctta agaatttaag cttgagtggc 30 44 27 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 44 gatatcatgg aaatttccgc cccacag 27 45 28 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 45 gatatccagt gttattccct cagaatgg 28 46 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 46 ggatccatga aagcaactct agcagc 26 47 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 47 gtcgacttag agtggcttct ggcaag 26 48 24 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 48 gtcgacgagc tcatgggggc gaag 24 49 21 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 49 agtactggta cctcaaacat g 21 50 23 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 50 tctagactag aatccaactt ctg 23 51 24 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 51 tctagagctc gatcgagcgg ccgc 24 52 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 52 gcccgggcca aatttacaat tgccac 26 53 23 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 53 gcccgggcta attcccgatc tag 23 54 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 54 gcccgggcat ctgtcgtctc aaactc 26 55 28 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 55 gcccgggctg ttgtcgcaaa attcgccc 28 56 26 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 56 gcccgggcat ctgtcgtctc aaactc 26 57 23 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 57 gcccgggcta attcccgatc tag 23 58 25 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of artificial sequence Primer 58 gcccgggcct agaatccaac ttctg 25 

We claim:
 1. A process for the production of vitamin E by growing organisms with an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity in comparison with the wild type.
 2. A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein, to increase the tyrosine aminotransferase activity, the gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase is increased in comparison with the wild type.
 3. A process as claimed in claim 2, wherein, to increase the gene expression, nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase are introduced into the organism.
 4. A process as claimed in claim 3, wherein nucleic acids are introduced which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2 or a sequence derived from this sequence by amino acid substitution, insertion or deletion, which proteins have at least 20% identity at the amino acid level with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2 and which have the enzymatic characteristic of a tyrosine aminotransferase.
 5. A process as claimed in claim 4, wherein a nucleic acid comprising the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 1 is introduced.
 6. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the organisms additionally have at least one of the activities selected from the group consisting of hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity, homogentisate phytyltransferase activity, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity, tocopherol cyclase activity and γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity which is increased in comparison with the wild type.
 7. A process as claimed in claim 6, wherein, for the additional increase in at least one of the activities, the gene expression of at least one nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase and nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase is increased in comparison with the wild type.
 8. A process as claimed in claim 7, wherein, to increase the gene expression of at least one of the nucleic acids, at least one nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase and nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase is introduced into the organism.
 9. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the organisms additionally have a reduced activity of at least one of the activities selected from the group consisting of homogentisate dioxygenase activity, maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity and fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity in comparison with the wild type.
 10. A process as claimed in claim 9, wherein, to additionally reduce at least one of the activities, the gene expression of at least one nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a maleylacetoacetate isomerase and nucleic acids encoding a fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase is reduced in comparison with the wild type.
 11. A process as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the organisms have a reduced homogentisate dioxygenase activity.
 12. A process as claimed in claim 11, wherein an RNA which has a region with duplex structure and within this region has a nucleic acid sequence which is identical to part of the homologous nucleic acid encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase is introduced into the organism.
 13. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein a plant is used as the organism.
 14. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein, after growing the organism, the latter is harvested and the vitamin E compounds are subsequently isolated from the organism.
 15. A nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase which is linked operably to one or more regulatory signals which ensure transcription and translation in organisms.
 16. A nucleic acid construct as claimed in claim 15, wherein the regulatory signals comprise one or more promoters which ensure transcription and translation in organisms.
 17. A nucleic acid construct as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase used is a nucleic acid which encodes proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2 or a sequence derived from this sequence by amino acid substitution, insertion or deletion, which sequence has at least 20% identity at the amino acid level with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2, and which has the enzymatic characteristic of a tyrosine aminotransferase.
 18. A nucleic acid construct as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17, wherein regulatory signals are used which ensure the transcription and translation in plants.
 19. A nucleic acid construct as claimed in claim 18, additionally comprising a nucleic acid encoding a plastid transit peptide.
 20. A nucleic acid construct as claimed in any of claims 15 to 19, additionally comprising one, two or three nucleic acids, selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase and nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase, which nucleic acids are linked operably to one or more regulatory signals and which ensure transcription and translation in organisms.
 21. A nucleic acid construct as claimed in any of claims 15 to 20, additionally comprising, in operable linkage, an RNA which has a region with duplex structure and within this region has a nucleic acid sequence which is identical to part of a nucleic acid encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase.
 22. A combination of nucleic acid constructs, where the combination comprises a nucleic acid construct as claimed in any of claims 15 to 21 and a) at least one further nucleic acid construct selected from among groups A to F A nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, which nucleic acids are linked operably with one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, B nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, which nucleic acids are linked operably with one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, C nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, which nucleic acids are linked operably with one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, D nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, which nucleic acids are linked operably with one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, E nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase, which nucleic acids are linked operably with one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, and F nucleic acid construct comprising nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase, which nucleic acids are linked operably with one or more regulatory signals which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms, or b) at least one further nucleic acid construct comprising two, three or four nucleic acid constructs selected from the group of the nucleic acid constructs A to F.
 23. A combination of nucleic acid constructs as claimed in claim 22, wherein the regulatory signals comprise one or more promoters and one or more terminators which ensure the transcription and translation in organisms.
 24. A combination of nucleic acid constructs as claimed in claim 23, wherein regulatory signals are used which ensure the transcription and translation in plants.
 25. A genetically modified organism, wherein the genetic modification increases the activity of a tyrosine aminotransferase in comparison with the wild type.
 26. A genetically modified organism as claimed in claim 25, wherein the increase in the tyrosine aminotransferase activity is brought about by an increase in the gene expression of a nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase in comparison with the wild type.
 27. A genetically modified organism as claimed in claim 26, wherein, to increase the gene expression, nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase are introduced into the organism.
 28. A genetically modified organism as claimed in claim 27, wherein nucleic acids are introduced which encode proteins comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2 or a sequence derived from this sequence by amino acid substitution, insertion or deletion, which nucleic acids have at least 20% identity at the amino acid level with the sequence SEQ. ID. NO. 2 and which have the enzymatic characteristic of a tyrosine aminotransferase.
 29. A genetically modified organism as claimed in claim 28, which comprises at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase or at least two endogenous nucleic acids encoding a tyrosine aminotransferase.
 30. A genetically modified organism as claimed in any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the genetic modification additionally increases at least one of the activities selected from the group consisting of hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase activity, homogentisate phytyltransferase activity, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase activity, 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase activity, tocopherol cyclase activity and γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity in comparison with a wild type.
 31. A genetically modified organism as claimed in claim 30, wherein the increase in at least one of the activities is brought about by an increase in the gene expression of at least one nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase, nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase, nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase and nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase, in comparison with the wild type.
 32. A genetically modified organism as claimed in claim 31, wherein the organism comprises at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase or two or more endogenous nucleic acids encoding a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase and/or at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase or two or more endogenous nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate phytyltransferase and/or at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase or two or more endogenous nucleic acids encoding a geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate oxidoreductase and/or at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase or two or more endogenous nucleic acids encoding a 2-methyl-6-phytylhydroquinone methyltransferase and/or at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a tocopherol cyclase or two or more endogenous nucleic acids encoding a tocopherol cyclase and/or at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase or two or more endogenous nucleic acids encoding a γ-tocopherol methyltransferase.
 33. A genetically modified organism as claimed in any of claims 25 to 32, wherein the genetic modification additionally reduces at least one of the activities selected from the group consisting of homogentisate dioxygenase activity, maleylacetoacetate isomerase activity and fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase activity in comparison with a wild type.
 34. A genetically modified organism as claimed in claim 33, wherein the reduction in at least one of the activities is brought about by reducing the gene expression of at least one nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids encoding a homogentisate dioxygenase, nucleic acids encoding a maleylacetoacetate isomerase and nucleic acids encoding a fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase in comparison with the wild type.
 35. A genetically modified organism as claimed in any of claims 25 to 34, wherein the genetically modified organism has an increased vitamin E content in comparison with the wild type.
 36. A genetically modified organism as claimed in any of claims 25 to 35, wherein the organism used is a plant.
 37. The use of a genetically modified organism as claimed in any of claims 25 to 36 for the production of vitamin E.
 38. The use of the genetically modified organisms as claimed in any of claims 25 to 36 as feed and food, for the production of processed foodstuffs, for the production of vitamin E-containing extracts of the organisms, or for the production of feed and food supplements.
 39. A process for the production of genetically modified organisms as claimed in any of claims 25 to 36, wherein nucleic acids as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 or nucleic acid constructs as claimed in any of claims 15 to 21 or combinations of nucleic acid constructs as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24 are introduced into the genome of the starting organism.
 40. The use of the nucleic acids as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 or nucleic acid constructs as claimed in any of claims 15 to 21 or combinations of nucleic acid constructs as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24 for increasing the vitamin E content in organisms who as wild types are capable of producing vitamin E. 